Fraud Alerts

[sammyfire2001]

When you put a fraud alert on your credit file are the credit bureaus supposed to send a free copy of your credit report?

[Anonymous]

I don't think so. You should never put a fraud alart on UNLESS you have a problem with ID theft or have reason to believe that you could be.

[Anonymous]

Happy Days,

I recently (like yesterday) submitted information online to inquire about an unsecured consolidation loan with a company that I now realize is probably a bit on the shady side.  I know, I know.  BAD idea.  Slap my hand.  I deserve it.  While I put down my name, address and phone numbers correctly, I did NOT put down any SSN and put a "fake" date of birth (month/day/year, etc. -- all wrong), as this was only a preliminary application, and they were supposed to contact me prior to running credit or anything like that.  Basically, I wasn't sure how legit it was, but wanted to get further info.  Should've known when there was no phone number posted for questions....  I am now worried about my stupid, stupid move.  Should I put a fraud alert on my credit reports?  Frankly, with my credit as it stands, an ID thief wouldn't get far, but still...

[Anonymous]

Yes- if YOU initiate the FA they will send printed creports to address of record from all 3 CRA's.

I think it is silly- but they do, it is in FCRA somewhere-

They did when I put mine on.

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sammyfire2001 wrote:

When you put a fraud alert on your credit file are the credit bureaus supposed to send a free copy of your credit report?

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[Anonymous]

I never knew that Timothy  and DH has an alart but never received a new CR

[Anonymous]

No lauren.......They need your SS#    I wouldn't worry about it.

[Anonymous]

Did he initiate it?

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HappyDays wrote:

I never knew that Timothy  and DH has an alart but never received a new CR

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[Anonymous]

FACTA gives you the right to a free copy of your credit report when you place a fraud alert. With the extended alert (seven years), you are entitled to two free copies of your report during the 12-month period after you place the alert.

§ 605A. Identity theft prevention; fraud alerts and active duty alerts

[15 U.S.C. §1681c-1]

(a) One-call Fraud Alerts

(1)

Initial alerts. Upon the direct request of a consumer, or an individual acting on behalf of or as a personal representative of a consumer, who asserts in good faith a suspicion that the consumer has been or is about to become a victim of fraud or related crime, including identity theft, a consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p) that maintains a file on the consumer and has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester shall--

(A) include a fraud alert in the file of that consumer, and also provide that alert along with any credit score generated in using that file, for a period of not less than 90 days, beginning on the date of such request, unless the consumer or such representative requests that such fraud alert be removed before the end of such period, and the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester for such purpose; and

(B) refer the information regarding the fraud alert under this paragraph to each of the other consumer reporting agencies described in section 603(p), in accordance with procedures developed under section 621(f).

(2)

Access to free reports. In any case in which a consumer reporting agency includes a fraud alert in the file of a consumer pursuant to this subsection, the consumer reporting agency shall--

(A) disclose to the consumer that the consumer may request a free copy of the  file of the consumer pursuant to section 612(d); and

(B) provide to the consumer all disclosures required to be made under section 609, without charge to the consumer, not later than 3 business days after any request described in subparagraph (A).

(2)

Access to free reports. In any case in which a consumer reporting agency includes a fraud alert in the file of a consumer pursuant to this subsection, the consumer reporting agency shall--

(A) disclose to the consumer that the consumer may request a free copy of the file of the consumer pursuant to section 612(d); and

(B) provide to the consumer all disclosures required to be made under section609, without charge to the consumer, not later than 3 business days after any request described in subparagraph (A).