Fraud Alert versus Credit Freeze

Extended fraud alerts and credit freezes can help prevent further misuse of your personal information. There are importand differences. This cart can help you decide which might be right for you. 

AN EXTENDED FRAUD ALERT A CREDIT FREEZE
Lets you have access to your credit report as long as companies take steps to verify your identity. Stops all access to your credit report unless you lift or remove the freeze.
Fee to place and remove if someone stole your identity. Guarnteed by federal law. Cost and availability depend on your state law. There might be a small fee for placing, lifting, and removing. 
Last for seven years. Lasts until you lift or remove. 
Set it by contacting each of the three credit bureaus. 
  • Report that someone stole your identity. 
  • Request an extended fraud alert.
  • Complete any necessary forms and send a copy of your Identity Theft Report.
 Set it by contacting each of the three credit bureaus.
  • Report that someone stole your identity. 
  • Ask the company to put a freeze on your credit file. 
  • Pay the fee required by state law. 

For fraud alerts: 

For credit freezes: