What Is TransUnion Fraud Alert Phone Number?

U.S. callers reach TransUnion's fraud‑alert line at 1‑800‑914‑8772, a toll‑free number staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (TransUnion fraud‑alert phone number); have your Social Security number, recent credit‑report details, and any fraud‑related documentation ready before you dial, as the next section explains how to verify you're speaking with a legitimate representative.

The only way to be certain you are dialing TransUnion is to compare the number you have with the official fraud‑alert line on TransUnion's website.

1. Open the TransUnion fraud‑alert page and note the listed toll‑free number  -  1‑800‑916‑8800.
2. Confirm the format: a 1‑800 prefix, exactly ten digits, no extra characters. Numbers beginning with 844, 855, 877, or containing letters are red flags.
3. When the call connects, check the caller ID. The displayed number must match 1‑800‑916‑8800; any variation indicates a possible scam.
4. Listen for an automated greeting that mentions 'TransUnion fraud alert.' Real agents will ask for your Social Security number and date of birth only after confirming their name and a TransUnion employee ID. They will never request passwords, bank PINs, or payment information.
5. If anything feels off, hang up and redial the number from the official page or use the secure online portal. You can also verify the number against the FTC's scam list.

These steps mirror the '5 checks to do before calling TransUnion' section that follows.

Run these five checks before you dial TransUnion's fraud‑alert line.

• Confirm the number matches the one listed on the official TransUnion contact page.
• Verify caller ID isn't spoofed by comparing the displayed number to the confirmed official number.
• Review your latest credit report for unauthorized accounts so you can reference them.
• Gather personal identifiers (Social Security number, birthdate, address) and any relevant fraud‑alert paperwork.
• Decide whether you need an initial one‑year alert or a seven‑year extended alert, and have that decision ready.

Gather these items before dialing TransUnion so the agent can verify your identity and place the alert without delay. After confirming the real number in the 'how to verify the real TransUnion number' section, keep the following documents handy; the next section will show exactly what to say once you're on the line.

• Government‑issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Social Security number card or the number itself
• Recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease showing your current address
• Latest TransUnion credit report or account number, if you have one
• Police report or FTC Identity Theft Report, if a crime was filed
• Any correspondence from creditors or lenders indicating fraudulent activity

When you reach a TransUnion representative, give your full name, Social Security number, and date of birth, then say, 'I need to place a fraud alert because I've identified unauthorized activity on my credit report.' Briefly describe the fraud (for example, 'I saw a credit card account I never opened') and ask the agent to confirm the alert is active.

Next, request a clear rundown of what will happen: how the fraud alert will be flagged, what verification will be mailed, and when you'll receive written confirmation. This prepares you for the steps outlined in the upcoming 'what happens after you call TransUnion' section so you can track the alert's progress.

The agent first verifies your identity with the documents you prepared, then places a fraud alert on your TransUnion file.

You receive a mailed confirmation within five business days, and you can also check the alert's status instantly through the myTransUnion portal. The alert flags any new credit request and forces lenders to call you for verification.

The alert stays active for one year; if you want longer protection, you can ask the representative to set up a credit freeze or plan to renew the alert when the year ends. This leads naturally into the next section on how long a phone‑placed fraud alert lasts.

A phone‑placed fraud alert stays active for one year from the day TransUnion confirms it, and if you ask for an extended alert it remains on your file for seven years.

When the period ends the alert automatically expires; you must call again to restart it or to switch to the extended version, which requires additional identity verification as described in the 'what to say when you call TransUnion about fraud' section. For official timeframes see TransUnion's fraud alert policy page.

Call 1‑800‑916‑8800 and tell the agent you want a seven‑year (extended) fraud alert.

1. Verify you have the required ID (government photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address) as outlined in the 'documents you should have' section.
2. Dial 1‑800‑916‑8800, the official TransUnion fraud‑alert line (TransUnion fraud‑alert phone number).
3. When the representative asks, state clearly: 'I need to place an extended fraud alert on my credit file.'
4. Answer the security questions that confirm your identity; the agent may repeat the personal information you provided earlier.
5. Confirm the alert's duration: the agent will set a seven‑year alert and note it on your file.
6. Ask the representative to send a confirmation letter to your mailing address; keep it for your records.

After the call, the extended fraud alert automatically notifies all three credit bureaus and remains active for seven years unless you remove it.

You can set a fraud alert without calling TransUnion by using any of these alternatives:

• Complete the request on TransUnion online fraud‑alert portal.
• Mail a signed, written request to TransUnion's fraud‑alert address listed on its contact page.
• Submit the alert through the TransUnion mobile app.
• Use a free credit‑monitoring service that partners with TransUnion, such as Credit Karma's fraud‑alert feature.
• File a coordinated fraud alert with Equifax or Experian; they automatically forward it to TransUnion as described on Equifax fraud‑alert information.

Call TransUnion directly from abroad by dialing your country's exit code, then 1‑800‑916‑8800 (example: 011‑1‑800‑916‑8800 from the U.S., 00‑1‑800‑916‑8800 from the U.K.). The toll‑free line accepts international calls, but expect carrier fees; using a VoIP service such as Skype can reduce costs. Have the documents listed in the 'documents you should have when you call TransUnion' section ready before you dial.

If a phone call isn't feasible, submit a fraud‑alert request through the online portal on the official TransUnion fraud alert contact page. The web form works worldwide, requires the same verification details, and eliminates long‑distance charges while still routing your request to the same fraud‑alert team.

Businesses that suspect an applicant or tenant is committing fraud should call TransUnion's fraud‑alert line at 1‑800‑916‑8800. Have the applicant's written consent and the identifying details ready, then follow the scripted process.

• Confirm you possess a signed consent form (rental application, employment offer, etc.).
• Gather the applicant's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and any reference numbers you already hold.
• Summarize the specific reason you believe fraud exists (e.g., mismatched ID, false residence).
• Call the number, choose the 'business fraud alert' option, and provide the consent and details exactly as outlined in the earlier 'what to say when you call TransUnion about fraud' section.
• Request the call's reference number and verify how the alert will appear on the consumer's credit file.

TransUnion places the alert for an initial one‑year period; you can later request a seven‑year extended alert if the situation warrants it.