If deleting and reporting fraud texts and phone calling has become part of your daily routine, there’s another easy way to protect yourself from scams– and it may be more effective. Placing a fraud notice on your credit information can prevent scammers from inflicting economic damage, and it’s easier to do than you think.

A new CNET study showed that as many as 96 % of Americans are targeted by swindlers each month, either by email, a phone call or text. And data from the Federal Trade Commission shows that economic losses due to fraud reached$ 12. 5 billion in 2024– a 25 % boost from the year before.

Reporting scam is critical for helping law enforcement capture thieves and inform the public about common scams, but may not help as much on a personal level. Fraud emails are distinct to you and your payment information, and they can alert you immediately that someone is using your personal information.

I placed scam updates on my credit information with all three of the major credit reporting bureaus, and it only took about 10 days. Here’s how you can, also.

What is a scam alert do?

Placing scam emails on your record information you stop thieves from opening new accounts in your title. By setting up alerts with the three main credit bureaus ( Experian, Equifax and Trans Union ), you can add an extra layer of protection if a hacker tries to open an account in your name.

The true fraud alert is a text that appears on your payment information that lenders may see. It lets them know that your sensitive information may be compromised, and to take further measures to verify your identity.  

It’s important to notice all of the credit departments– not just one– since a new account does not actually been reported to all three.  

How credit record fraud alerts job depends on the type you set up, and there are three kinds to choose from. All three types of fraud updates are free to set up, and the process just takes a few minutes from start to finish.

First fraud alert 

First fraud alerts next for one year and call companies to check with you before a new account is opened in your title.  

For instance, if you or anyone else tried to open a fresh credit card account, the card issuer may reach out to you to check before approval. You can maintain an initial fraud notice after the first year. People can set up an initial fraud alert for any reason, perhaps if they just worry they’ll be a victim of fraud.

Prolonged scam alert 

An expanded fraud notice also ensures that businesses have to call you before opening any new accounts in your name. But, these fraud alerts last for seven years instead of one, and they’re just applicable to people who have experienced identity theft and completed an FTC identity theft report at IdentityTheft. state or filed a police statement.  

These notifications can also be renewed when the first seven-year period ends.

Energetic work alert 

Active duty services people can use an effective work alert to safeguard their credit while they’re away. This type of alert lasts for one month immediately, but individuals can maintain it for the duration of their implementation after season one.

How to set up a fraud alert on your payment information

You’ll need to set up fraud alerts with all three of the credit bureaus using the email details below:

When you visit each of these sites, you’ll discover the steps you can take to safeguard your credit and personal information.  

For example, you’ll see options that let you freeze your credit accounts absolutely or dispute incorrect information on your credit reports. You can also place a fraud alert on your payment information.

From that, the process is fairly easy. Here’s what the Google site looks like when you visit its record help site:

Step 1: Select’fraud alerts,’ then create an account

When you click on “fraud alerts” on the Experian page, you’ll be prompted to create an account or sign into an existing Experian account.  

If you create a new account, you’ll need to share personal information like your full name, address, employment, date of birth and Social Security number ( SSN).

Step 2: Choose the type of fraud alert

Once you log into your account, you can choose the type of fraud alert you want: an initial fraud alert, an extended fraud alert or an active duty alert. Since I hadn’t been a victim of identity theft so far, I opted to open initial fraud alerts that last for one year on my credit reports.  

Step 3: Confirm your phone number

This step requires you to verify your phone number, which should match the number they have on file from when you created your account.

Step 4: Place the fraud alert

Once you verify your phone number, the fraud alert is placed on your credit report automatically in seconds. Experian also says it will notify the other credit bureaus when a fraud alert is placed, but just in case, it’s a good idea to contact Equifax and TransUnion yourself. Experian will also automatically remove your name and address from pre-screened offer lists for six months.

You can remove a fraud alert with any of the credit bureaus using the same process. You’ll simply head to the bureau’s credit help page, navigate to the fraud alerts section, and choose the option to manage your alerts. From there, you can remove the fraud alert with just a few clicks.

How to act on a fraud alert

If you set up a fraud alert on your credit reports and you’re notified someone else is trying to open an account in your name, this is a sign someone may have your sensitive personal information.  

This could be the result of a phishing scam or a criminal hacking into your accounts. Criminals getting hold of your sensitive personal details can also be the result of a major data breach.

• Maintain the fraud alert and renew as needed. If you were notified someone else was trying to open an account in your name and had the chance to stop it due to your fraud alert, the process worked. You can continue protecting yourself by renewing your fraud alert each time it is set to expire.
• Freeze your credit reports. Another more drastic step involves freezing your credit reports with all three credit bureaus. A freeze prevents new accounts, full stop. If you want to open a new credit card or take out a loan and your credit is frozen, you’ll need to temporarily unfreeze your credit reports first.
• Sign up for identity theft monitoring. You can also sign up for identity theft protection services, which can notify you if someone tries to open an account in your name and about other changes to your credit. These services tend to offer up to$ 1 million in identity theft insurance as well as other perks.
• Report the attempted fraud. You can also report attempted credit card and loan fraud to the authorities, including the Internet Crime Complaint Center and IdentityTheft. gov. Reach out to the U. S. Postal Inspection Service ( USPIS ) to report mail-related scams.

Can you add a fraud alert if your credit is frozen?

You can set up a fraud alert on your credit reports if your credit is already frozen, but you don’t need to.   Freezing your credit is more severe  than setting up a fraud alert since it prevents anyone from opening a new account in your name ( including you ). Freezes are also indefinite, compared to fraud alerts that typically last a year.

When you freeze your credit reports, you have to take steps to temporarily unfreeze your reports if you want to apply for a credit card or a loan. Fortunately, all three credit bureaus let you set a specific time for your credit to be unfrozen, such as 24 or 36 hours, so you can apply for new credit before your reports are frozen again.