How do I request a “fraud alert” be placed on my file if I believe I may be affected by the recent Veterans Affairs data security breach?
You have the right to ask that nationwide consumer credit reporting companies place “fraud alerts” in your file to let potential creditors and others know that you may be a victim of identity theft. A fraud alert can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you. It also may delay your ability to obtain credit. You may place a fraud alert in your file by calling just one of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. As soon as that agency processes your fraud alert, it will notify the other two, which then also must place fraud alerts in your file. • Equifax: 1-877-576-5734; www.equifax.com • Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com/fraud • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com An initial fraud alert stays in your file for at least 90 days. An extended alert stays in your file for seven years. To place either of these alerts, a consumer credit reporting company will require
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