@pizzadude wrote:
@abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxy wrote:if I haven't had someone actively steal my identity, is it still a good idea to put a fraud alert on the three credit bureaus? Does the pros outweigh the cons? thanks!
It's probably easier to just freeze your reports versus a fraud alert.
Per the Federal Trade Commission, you actually are not eligible to file a FRAUD alert unless you suspect fraud, @abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxy. So yes, a simple credit freeze is the way to go.
Credit Freeze:
Who can place one: Anyone can freeze their credit report, even if their identity has not been stolen.
What it does: A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, which means you — or others — won't be able to open a new credit account while the freeze is in place. You can temporarily lift the credit freeze if you need to apply for new credit. When the freeze is in place, you will still be able to do things like apply for a job, rent an apartment, or buy insurance without lifting or removing it.
Duration: A credit freeze lasts until you remove it.
Fraud Alert:
Who can place one: Anyone who suspects fraud can place a fraud alert on their credit report.
What it does: A fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. A business must verify your identity before it issues new credit in your name. When you place a fraud alert on your credit report, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus.
Duration: A fraud alert lasts one year. After a year, you can renew it.
Extended Fraud Alert:
Who can place one: An extended fraud alert is only available to people who have had their identity stolen and completed an FTC identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov or filed a police report.
What it does: Like a fraud alert, an extended fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. A business must contact you before it issues new credit in your name. When you place an extended fraud alert on your credit report, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus twice within one year from when you place the alert, which means you could review your credit report six times in a year. In addition, the credit bureaus will take you off their marketing lists for unsolicited credit card insurance offers, unless you ask them not to.
Duration: An extended fraud alert lasts seven years.
