ID ALERT

How to place a fraud alert on your credit report

If you've received notice that your personal information may have been exposed, we recommend you place a "fraud alert" on your credit file with the three major credit bureaus. This is a free service that will request creditors to verify your identity before opening a new account.

Choose one of the credit bureaus from the contact information below:

Experian allows you to file a fraud alert online or by telephone; Equifax and Trans Union require you to call. Once you notify one agency, it will verify the fraud alert and then inform the other agencies. You should also receive a free credit report from each of them.

Please note that your initial call to the credit bureau will be to an automated system. With your copy of the credit report, you will receive another phone number that will allow you to discuss anything unusual with a representative.

Experian

http://www.experian.com

Online fraud alert: http://www.experian.com/consumer/fraud_faqs.html

(888) 397-3742

Equifax

http://www.equifax.com

(800) 525-6285

Trans Union

http://www.transunion.com

(800) 680-7289

When you receive your credit reports, review them carefully. Look especially for these indicators of possible fraudulent activity:

• Unfamiliar accounts, especially ones that have been newly opened
• Unauthorized charges to existing accounts
• Addresses that you have not lived at

For more information on protecting your identity:

• How to Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit report
• General guidelines for personal information security
• State and Federal Resources

If you have additional questions, please contact:

News & Public Affairs
205 Cope Admin. Building
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-2919