Fraud Alert?

[Anonymous]

I have a fraud alert on my account and I'm not sure how it got there?  What does it mean exactly?  Is it hurting me?  Do I need to call the CRA's to get them off?

[Anonymous]

I got my FA by disputing something as "Not Mine".

It adds an extra step when you try to obtain credit. The creditor has to verify your identity - so no instant approvals. Once it is added to 1 CRA they share it with the other 2.

TransUnion will remove with a phone call, you may have to press a bit but they will.

Equifax YMMV. First time they removed with a phone call, SECOND time they required I fax or mail them including forms of ID.

Experian will only remove if you send it in the mail.

[Anonymous]

It's not hurting you; in fact, it could be beneficial to have FAs on your reports.  Initial FAs stay on for 90 days.  It's a bit of an extra hassle if you are applying for credit (have to verify your ID),but it's a level of protection against ID thieves trying to open accounts in your name although it's not foolproof.  Plus you get free credit reports.

Technically, you can only request FAs to be placed if you think you've been victim of ID theft or you've lost your wallet, etc.

[Anonymous]

Now it makes sense why I never get any pre-approvals!  I will probably just leave them on if it's not hurting me.  How can I get free credit reports from having FA's?

Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

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bsf56 wrote:

Now it makes sense why I never get any pre-approvals!  I will probably just leave them on if it's not hurting me.  How can I get free credit reports from having FA's?

Thanks!!

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Normally when you place a FA, the CRAs send you a notice which tells you how to order them.  You could try calling the CRAs and asking for the reports, but it's a bit risky because you didn't place the FAs in the first place.  Although the worst I imagine that will happen is that they remove the FAs, which was what you originally wanted to do

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Now it makes sense why I never get any pre-approvals! I will probably just leave them on if it's not hurting me. How can I get free credit reports from having FA's?

Thanks!!

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Normally when you place a FA, the CRAs send you a notice which tells you how to order them. You could try calling the CRAs and asking for the reports, but it's a bit risky because you didn't place the FAs in the first place. Although the worst I imagine that will happen is that they remove the FAs, which was what you originally wanted to do

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Have you ever had an FA? The CRAs are NOT going to remove them just because you're asking for a free Credit Report. I got nailed with a 7 year FA which is only supposed to happen if I go file a police report and request it.

[Anonymous]

Have you ever had an FA? The CRAs are NOT going to remove them just because you're asking for a free Credit Report. I got nailed with a 7 year FA which is only supposed to happen if I go file a police report and request it.

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I had a 7 year on 2 CRA, and a regular one on the third, and recently had all three removed very easily.

You must submit a written request that contains identifying information including your

• name
• address
• Social Security number
• date of birth
• telephone number
• Also send copies of two documents verifying your current address, such as current utility bills and your driver’s license

Send your written requests to each of the addresses below. You should consider using certified mail and/or overnight delivery since your request contains sensitive information. (I did not use certified mail, but I did put it directly into the mail box outside of the post office so no one would have access to take the info)

Equifax

Equifax Consumer Fraud Division
PO Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374

TransUnion

TransUnion
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834

Experian

Experian
P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013

I got the info from this site  http://www.idtheftawareness.com/docs/FraudAlerts.php

I also wanted to add that some credit cardapplications are flat out denied because of fraud alert, which the companies are allowed to do if the feel like it.

Message Edited by meg on 08-15-2007 10:09 AM

[Anonymous]

As I said earlier... Written request is only necessary for Experian. The correct amount of nudging over the phone will have TU and EQ removing it immediately. TU removed within 20 minutes and EQ within 4 hours. Experian would only remove after getting a request in writing.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Now it makes sense why I never get any pre-approvals! I will probably just leave them on if it's not hurting me. How can I get free credit reports from having FA's?

Thanks!!

---

Normally when you place a FA, the CRAs send you a notice which tells you how to order them. You could try calling the CRAs and asking for the reports, but it's a bit risky because you didn't place the FAs in the first place. Although the worst I imagine that will happen is that they remove the FAs, which was what you originally wanted to do

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Have you ever had an FA? The CRAs are NOT going to remove them just because you're asking for a free Credit Report. I got nailed with a 7 year FA which is only supposed to happen if I go file a police report and request it.

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Yes, I have FAs on all 3 CRs right now for 90 days because I requested them.  My point to OP was that he could get them removed (which was what he wanted to do) or if he didn't remove them, it MIGHT be an option to get the reports  (which I wasn't necessarily recommending).

[Anonymous]

ohhh Ok - clearer now!

I thought you were saying that since OP didn't request the FA if he asked for the free reports they would just remove the FA for no reason at all.