Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert: Which Does What?

A freeze changes access to the report

Anyone can freeze their credit reports for free. To freeze all three nationwide reports, contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately. A freeze stays in place until you lift it and does not affect your credit score.

When you legitimately apply for credit, you may need to lift the relevant freeze temporarily. Ask the lender which bureau it needs to access, allow time for the request, and keep track of when any temporary lift ends.

Sources: FTC: Credit freezes and fraud alerts

An alert adds an identity-check requirement

An initial fraud alert is available if you are, or suspect you may become, a victim of identity theft. It lasts one year. Contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus; that bureau must tell the other two to place alerts.

The alert allows access to the report but requires businesses to take steps to verify your identity before opening new credit. An extended alert has different eligibility requirements and lasts seven years. Follow the official process rather than treating every alert as interchangeable.

Sources: CFPB: Credit report and score key terms

Respond to a breach notice without following a trap

Imagine you receive a notice saying your identifying information may have been exposed. Save the notice, but verify the organization through contact information you find independently. A message about a breach can itself be fraudulent.

If you choose freezes, keep a simple record: bureau, request date, confirmation, and account-recovery information stored securely. Three confirmations are more useful than an assumption that one request covered every report. Before a planned credit application, revisit that record to arrange access.

Sources: FTC: Credit freezes and fraud alerts · FTC: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams

Keep existing-account protection separate

A freeze is aimed at new-account credit fraud. It does not stop someone from using an existing account or make an unauthorized charge disappear. Review statements and respond to suspicious activity through the institution’s official channels.

If you discover an account you did not open, use the identity-theft recovery process and dispute the fraudulent information. IdentityTheft.gov provides a recovery plan. A freeze or alert can be one protective step, but the existing problem still needs attention.

1. Review the notice or suspicious activity through a trusted channel.
2. Choose the protection and complete the required bureau requests.
3. Keep confirmations and any temporary-lift dates.
4. Address fraudulent accounts or transactions separately.

Sources: FTC: Credit freezes and fraud alerts · CFPB: Credit report and score key terms