topic Re: Fraud Alert on EQ in General Credit Topics

Fraud Alert on EQ

sugarcreek67 — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 12:52:44 GMT

I attempted to submit a card app to AOD, few days went by and I got a message from them that my EQ file was frozen. I logged into myequifax.com and checked. It was indeed locked. I submitted a permanent removal of the freeze. AOD asked me to resubmit a new app. Again few days and they contacted me and said it was still frozen. Nothing on EQ site shows any kind of freeze in place. I logged into MF and refreshed my 3B report and there is now showing a fraud alert on EQ. I never submitted one to them so I am confused as to why one has been placed on that report. I also went to annual credit report and pulled copies of all three bureau's. I see nothing on any of them that is incorrect or something I do not recognize. Only thing I see on the EQ report is that affinity has not updated since 10/1/21. I called Affinity about the lack of update because they show me carrying a 423.00 balance that was PIF couple days after statement cut. CSR at Affinity told me to dispute it with EQ, is that what caused this alert?

Thanks for the help

Re: Fraud Alert on EQ

coldfusion — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:42:48 GMT

EQ being EQ.

The thing about an EQ fraud alert is that they can be be pretty straightfoward to get removed via phone call if you can pass the ID verification test. Just call and tell them you understand there is a fraud alert and ask how it got there, if they confirm that there is a fraud alert you can tell them there was no fraud and that you are requesting they remove the alert.

Insofar as your other issue, you made references to there being a freeze and references to there being a lock. Those are not interchangable terms with regard to secondary security protocols that can be attached to a credit report; did you confirm there was in fact a freeze and not a lock when requesting the freeze be permanently removed?

Re: Fraud Alert on EQ

sugarcreek67 — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 02:29:31 GMT

@coldfusion Thank you for the reply, I chose my words poorly. I did put a freeze on my 3 reports. I forgot that I had done this when I originally submitted the app to AOD. I went online and removed the report freeze. few days went by and then I submitted another app as requested but that one was denied for the report being frozen too. I see on EQ site that I can freeze my report but I have never noticed an option to lock it.

Re: Fraud Alert on EQ

sugarcreek67 — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 02:35:49 GMT

I logged into the three bureaus and TU&EX offer the ability to "lock" my file but EQ only offers a "freeze"

Re: Fraud Alert on EQ

coldfusion — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 04:49:41 GMT

A freeze is usually preferable as they must be provided for free and there are legal consequences if the CRA inappropriately releases a frozen report. The one downside is that a temporary thawing of a freeze so a report can be pulled can take up to an hour to take effect.

Re: Fraud Alert on EQ

sugarcreek67 — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 13:17:39 GMT

I wonder if the fraud alert has anything to do with the dispute I filed concerning Affinity not updating EQ since 10/1?

Re: Fraud Alert on EQ

coldfusion — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 14:17:29 GMT

It shouldn't, but Equifax is wierd. You should call Equifax and ask as it's possible there was a legitimate reason for the alert being placed.

Re: Fraud Alert on EQ

sugarcreek67 — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 14:27:49 GMT

Thank you, i will give them a call today

Re: Fraud Alert on EQ

sugarcreek67 — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 14:56:26 GMT

I just spoke to a lady at Equifax and they are telling me that there is no security freeze or fraud alerts on file. Is it possible the MF 3b report is incorrect?

Re: Fraud Alert on EQ

sugarcreek67 — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 17:27:14 GMT

UPDATE; The issue with AOD saying my file had a freeze on it was due to a very small (1 letter) discrepency with my address, once corrected they were able to pull my file. Another discussion with Affinity today about the lack of update, this time the csr said they forwarded my issue to the loan department asking for that issue to be taken care of. Perhaps they will update it today but possible that it will be January before i see a change on the report

Re: Fraud Alert on EQ

xenon3030 — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 20:57:18 GMT

EQ is a bit weird and it may describe its discrepancy, hitting ~1/3 of people while they require fraud alert and credit monitoring services.

I placed a fraud alert easily on EX via an automated phone call, took a few minutes. The alert was placed on TU, after a day, but no sign of fraud alert on EQ after a week. Finally, I called EQ and it took ~30min to place the alert. It was strange that for a simple fraud alert request, they need to collect several personal information, including pictures of DL (front/back) and a selfie!!!. The CSR also had several difficulties understanding my accent (possibly he was located in India).

It might not be strange that such a company hits by various issues, due to collecting vast amount of unnecessary personal information while cannot protect them, not getting synced with EX/TU on the issues, and placing customer services overseas.