Fraud Alert

[serenity06]

Hello Everyone,

I am really having problems understanding Fraud Alert. I have went through several threads but still mixed up. I called TransUnion today to dispute some items and was forwarded to Fraud Alert Division. It seemed like the only way they would take consideration of my disputes is if this was on my report. I don't understand at all. Anyway, the young man told me that he was going to tell the other CB. Does that mean they will be put a FA on my report as well. If so, what should I do? I am in the miodst of disputing a lot of my accounts. I do not want this action to hinder these disputes. Or will it help? I am just having a hard time and new at this. Can someone give me some advice as to whether it will hurt or help me?

[brandie2881]

I have an alert on my CR's.

For the most part it will help you when disputeing information such as inquaries, incorrect spelling of names, addresses and such.

And yes it will show on all Big 3 CR's.

The only way to remove it is to write a letter to each CRA requesting the removal along with a copy of your drivers license and a utility bill to prove your identity or if its an initial Alert you can just wait until the 90 days is up

If you plan on opening a bank account or useing your credit in any way I do believe it may cause a problem. ( I was trying to open a bank account and they refused me because of the alert, they advised me to come back after everything had cleared up )..

It is really " not suposed " to make a difference if it is on there or not..

[TheRoadBack]

I have an alert on my CR's.

For the most part it will help you when disputeing information such as inquaries, incorrect spelling of names, addresses and such.

And yes it will show on all Big 3 CR's.

The only way to remove it is to write a letter to each CRA requesting the removal along with a copy of your drivers license and a utility bill to prove your identity or if its an initial Alert you can just wait until the 90 days is up

If you plan on opening a bank account or useing your credit in any way I do believe it may cause a problem. ( I was trying to open a bank account and they refused me because of the alert, they advised me to come back after everything had cleared up )..

It is really " not suposed " to make a difference if it is on there or not..

A fa should not stop you from getting cc approvals or opening bank accts etc. They will just verify some info with you and take extra precautions to make sure you are who you say you are. I have a fa and I haven't been turned down for anything. The process just takes a little bit longer to verify your identity.

[VonAngel (aka EarthAngel)]

A fa should not stop you from getting cc approvals or opening bank accts etc. They will just verify some info with you and take extra precautions to make sure you are who you say you are. I have a fa and I haven't been turned down for anything. The process just takes a little bit longer to verify your identity.

Absolutely. For those who thrive on "instant approvals", a FA isn't for you. EX is the only one who is firm about having consumers mail in their letters (& proof of identity) requesting FA removal. TU will remove it if you would just ask them to by phone. EQ will accept it (along w/ the proof of course) by fax @ 1-888-729-0083. I currently have FAs on all 3 files; it doesn't hinder me not one bit. I've had them plenty of times b4 (& had them removed) and I've been able to open banking and CC accounts.

[serenity06]

I am wondering will it hurt me if I am trying to get a house. Also, I did notice that a copy told me that they had a cable bill in my name but the SSN was wrong. So what do I do in that case? It was off by one number. I am just having so many issues that it is not funny. Also, when I am doing disputes, how long will it take since I have a fraud alert on my account? When I am doing disputes, who do I send my disputes to in the credit bureau? Is it still the same way? See that is what I am trying to ask. If you have the mailing information for all 3 credit bureau, it would help to list them for me.

Thanks everyone...

[VonAngel (aka EarthAngel)]

I am wondering will it hurt me if I am trying to get a house.

Absolutely not. Having a FA on your file just means that you'll have to prove your identity b4 credit (revolving and installment) is extended to you. You can easily prove that by your DL, SS card, and a utility bill in your name (IF they ask for it).

Also, I did notice that a copy told me that they had a cable bill in my name but the SSN was wrong. So what do I do in that case? It was off by one number.

Who? You mean a CA? Are you referring to a letter you received?

when I am doing disputes, how long will it take since I have a fraud alert on my account? When I am doing disputes, who do I send my disputes to in the credit bureau? Is it still the same way? See that is what I am trying to ask. If you have the mailing information for all 3 credit bureau, it would help to list them for me.

Okay...yeah...let me see if I can get this str8t. You have a FA on your file and you want to know if that will hinder your dispute process. No, it will not...not whatsoever. If you call, you'll just be transferred to a REAL CSR that can actually understand you and is easier to work w/ (IMO). They'll still have to abide by the laws of the FCRA. No difference. If you mail in your disputes or dispute online, same thing; your dispute will be handled accordingly, just by a different department. You will find the current addresses for each CRA on your CRs.