Alert
Prepared by the DEBIX — Identity Protection Network
August 30, 2006

40% of Fraud Alerts are not set properly, leaving millions unprotected

Identity theft has become a real national emergency, affecting over 9.9 million consumers last year. And if that figure is not frightening enough, another alarming statistic emerges — 40% of fraud alerts are not set properly. (Source: Debix Fraud Alert Study August 2006)

Consumers are told that setting Fraud Alerts is the best protection they have against identity fraud. And it is. When properly set at all three national credit bureaus, no one can open credit accounts in your name without your approval. That is why Congress enacted the FACT ACT of 2003. And that is why the number one recommendation from the Federal Trade Commission and every other business, institution and government agency that has suffered a data breach is to set Fraud Alerts.

1. Call each of the three national credit bureaus and set your Fraud Alert directly with them, and do it on the same day. Update your Fraud Alert if your contact information changes.
   Equifax: 800-525-6285
   Experian: 888-397-3742
   TransUnion: 800-680-7289
2. Give your cell phone number to creditors so they can contact you easily. But be aware that by giving them your number, you are making your private cell number available.
3. Watch your mailbox to make sure you receive three physical notices from each credit bureau.
4. If you do not get a letter from any of the three credit bureaus in one week, follow the tips under What to do if your Fraud Alert fails to set properly.
5. Fraud Alerts expire after 90 days, so reset your Fraud Alert every 90 days for as long as you want protection. Your name, social security number and birthday never expire.

What to do if your Fraud Alert fails to set properly

1. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com and order your free annual credit report from the credit bureau where the Fraud Alert failed.
2. Check the "Header Information" (Name, Address, Date of Birth and Generation Information) on your free credit report for accuracy.
3. Call the credit bureau that sent you the report and enter the data from your "Header Information" into the phone system exactly as it appears on your report.
   • For example, one consumer found their year of birth was incorrect on their Equifax credit report. In order to correct it, the consumer had to enter the incorrect date of birth (as it appeared on their Equifax report) into the Equifax Fraud Alert System to properly set the Fraud Alert.
   • If you wish to correct errors in your credit report information, you must contact the credit bureau directly. It is recommended that you put all disputes in writing, because when you use the online forms for disputes you give up your right to sue and agree to arbitration. Additionally, when mailing the correction, send it "Return Receipt Requested" so that you begin to create a paper trail.
4. If you still can't figure out why your Fraud Alert is not set properly, contact the credit bureau for assistance using the phone number printed on your credit report.