Do identity theft protection services charge extra for setting fraud alerts?

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April 29th, 2011 - Posted by Tasha

Q:  Do identity theft protection services charge extra for setting fraud alerts?

A: Putting a fraud alert on your credit files means that the 3 credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) need to use "reasonable policies and procedures" to verify your identity before opening an account in your name.  You can learn more about fraud alerts and credit freezes by reading our Fraud Alert and Credit Freeze Guide.

ID Patrol by Equifax includes free automatic fraud alerts.  This feature lets you set a fraud alert with Equifax, who will then notify the other 2 credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on your credit files.  Your fraud request will then be automatically renewed every 90 days.  Trusted ID also include the ability for you to set fraud alerts at no cost as part of their service.  Once you're a member, Trusted ID will send you an email reminder to renew your fraud alerts via their interface every 90 days.

However, regardless of whether an identity theft protection service let you set fraud alerts, you can actually do it yourself.  It's free of charge to set your own fraud alerts online with Equifax and Experian.  These 2 bureaus will then notify TransUnion on your behalf and fraud alerts should be set there as well. The links to each site's fraud alert section are below.

Equifax Fraud Alert
Experian Fraud Alert
Transunion Fraud Alert (you need to call)