How To Place A TransUnion Fraud Alert?

Place an initial fraud alert when you suspect your personal information is compromised but still need to apply for credit, choose a credit freeze if you want to block all new accounts, and request an extended fraud alert only after a police report or FTC Identity Theft Report confirms identity theft. This decision guides the document checklist (section 3) and the alert‑length selection (section 4).

• Recent unauthorized credit inquiry, data breach notification, or lost wallet → initial 1‑year fraud alert.
• Confirmed identity theft with a filed report → 7‑year extended fraud alert.
• Desire to prevent any new accounts while you investigate → credit freeze instead of a fraud alert.
• Need to keep borrowing ability (e.g., mortgage, auto loan) → fraud alert, not freeze.
• Concern for a minor's credit → set a fraud alert for the child's TransUnion file.

If you only suspect that someone might misuse your identity, place an initial TransUnion fraud alert; it lasts 90 days, costs nothing, and simply tells lenders to verify your identity before granting new credit. Should you confirm identity theft, request an extended fraud alert, which stays active for 1 year and can be renewed, but still allows lenders to view your report after the extra verification step.

If you need the strongest barrier, choose a credit freeze; it blocks all access to your TransUnion file until you lift it with a PIN or password, preventing any new account from being opened. A freeze remains in place indefinitely (or until you remove it) and can delay legitimate credit checks, such as loan applications. Use a fraud alert for low‑impact monitoring, and a freeze for maximum protection. Understanding credit freezes and fraud alerts

• essential paperwork includes a government‑issued photo ID, your Social Security number, proof of residence, and, if you're filing an extended fraud alert, a police report or FTC Identity Theft Report.
• Photo ID can be a driver's license, state ID, or passport; it confirms you are the person requesting the TransUnion fraud alert.
• Write down your Social Security number exactly as it appears on your card or tax documents; TransUnion uses it to match your credit file.
• Proof of address may be a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement showing your name and current address.
• For an extended alert, attach a copy of the police report or the FTC Identity Theft Report that documents the theft.

Choose a initial fraud alert (what identity theft fraud alerts do) for a 12‑month window when you suspect misuse but lack a formal victim report; opt for an extended fraud alert for a 7‑year window if you have a police or FTC identity‑theft report. If you need the strongest barrier, apply a credit freeze, which blocks all creditor access until you lift it.

An initial fraud alert forces creditors to verify your identity within 30 days, while an extended fraud alert extends that verification period to 90 days - reserve the longer term for confirmed victims. With the alert length set, proceed to the place your TransUnion fraud alert online section to enter the dates you just chose.

Place your TransUnion fraud alert online by visiting TransUnion's dedicated fraud‑alert portal. After deciding you need an alert and gathering the required documents, follow these steps.

1. Open TransUnion's fraud‑alert page in your browser.
2. Click Create or manage alerts, then sign in to your MyTransUnion account or create a new login if you don't have one.
3. Choose Initial fraud alert for a 1‑year protection or Extended fraud alert for a 7‑year protection, depending on your situation.
4. Enter your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address exactly as they appear on your identification. Upload any supporting documents you collected earlier (e.g., police report, ID copy) if prompted.
5. Review the information, submit the request, and record the confirmation number shown on the final screen.

Proceed to the next section if you prefer to place the alert by phone or mail.

Call 1‑800‑916‑8800 or mail a written request to place your TransUnion fraud alert.

Use the personal details you gathered in the 'Gather the documents and info you'll need' section so the bureau can match the request instantly.

Phone

• Dial 1‑800‑916‑8800, select the option for fraud alerts.
• Verify your identity by providing your full name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
• State whether you want an initial (1‑year) or extended (7‑year) alert.
• Note the confirmation reference number the agent gives you.

Mail

• Write a letter that includes:
  • Full legal name, current address, Social Security number, and birth date
  • Request for an initial or extended fraud alert
  • Signature and date
• Enclose copies of two ID documents (e.g., driver's license, passport) and one proof‑of‑address document (utility bill, bank statement).
• Send everything to:
  
  TransUnion Fraud Alert
  
  P.O. Box 2000
  
  Chester, PA 19016

After the phone call or mailed request is processed, proceed to confirm placement and monitor your credit reports for any unusual activity.

You'll get a confirmation letter (or email) from TransUnion within a few days; log into your TransUnion account or call 1‑800‑847‑2911 to verify that the initial fraud alert is active.

Next, pull your free annual credit reports from the three bureaus at free annual credit reports and review them weekly for unfamiliar accounts, inquiries, or address changes. Set up real‑time alerts on any new hard inquiry so you can act before a fraudster opens a line in your name.

If you spot unauthorized activity, request an extended fraud alert now; the next section explains how a seven‑year alert adds extra verification steps for new credit applications.

If you're an identity theft victim, you can upgrade your one‑year initial fraud alert to a seven‑year extended fraud alert.

An extended fraud alert lasts seven years and requires you to provide a police report or an FTC Identity Theft Report (official identity theft report). Contact TransUnion by phone (1‑800‑680‑7289), mail, or the online portal and submit the report number along with proof of identity. TransUnion will place the extended alert, flag your file, and require any new creditor to verify your identity before opening an account.

For example, Jane discovered a fraudulent credit‑card account three months after her wallet was stolen. She filed an FTC report, then called TransUnion, read her report number, and mailed a copy of the police report. TransUnion confirmed the extended alert, which will now block any new credit applications in her name for the next seven years unless she clears the verification step. This prevents further unauthorized accounts while she works with the creditors to resolve the existing fraud.

A TransUnion fraud alert protects a child or dependent the same way it protects an adult, but you must add them as a 'dependent' when you file the request.

1. Collect the dependent's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Have a copy of a government ID (birth certificate or passport) ready for verification.
2. Log in to your TransUnion account or call 1‑800‑680‑7289. Choose 'add a dependent' and enter the information you gathered.
3. Select the alert type: an initial fraud alert (1 year) if you simply want protection, or an extended fraud alert (7 years) if the dependent is already an identity‑theft victim.
4. Confirm the request. TransUnion will send a confirmation letter to your address; keep it for your records.
5. Follow the steps in the 'confirm placement and monitor your credit reports' section to verify the alert is active and to set up ongoing monitoring.

For detailed guidance, see the TransUnion fraud alert instructions.

You can remove a TransUnion fraud alert by calling 1‑800‑916‑8800, mailing a written request to TransUnion Security Freeze, or signing into your TransUnion account and selecting 'Remove fraud alert' under the alerts menu. Include your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and a copy of a government ID; the alert will be lifted within a few business days, and an extended alert ends automatically after seven years.

To renew a TransUnion fraud alert, request a new one before the 90‑day initial period ends, which creates a fresh 90‑day clock. Simply follow the same placement steps you used earlier, or visit how to remove or renew a TransUnion fraud alert for the online form. If you need longer protection, consider switching to an extended alert or a credit freeze.

Avoid common mistakes when placing your alert by double‑checking your personal details, picking the right alert type, and confirming the placement before moving on.

• Enter your name, address, and SSN exactly as they appear on your credit report; a typo stops the TransUnion fraud alert from activating.
• Choose the proper alert length: an initial fraud alert lasts one year, while an extended fraud alert (for confirmed identity‑theft victims) lasts seven years.
• Submit the required ID documents when you place the alert by phone or mail; skipping them causes processing delays.
• Don't mix up a fraud alert with a credit freeze; a freeze blocks access entirely, whereas a fraud alert merely flags new inquiries.
• Check the confirmation email or letter and log into your TransUnion account to verify the alert is active; otherwise you may think you're protected when you aren't.