Definition

• A credit reporting emergency number is a credit bureau telephone line exclusively for reporting fraud and placing alerts on your records. These toll-free lines lead to automated systems that let you report the problem, and you only need to call one of the three bureaus because it automatically contacts the other two for you, according to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Your fraud alert goes into effect within 24 hours and remains in place for 90 days. It warns companies that credit applications in your name could be fraudulent.
  
  

Results

• Fraud alerts cause creditors to take extra steps when processing new credit applications in your name. Lenders will refuse to approve accounts until they talk to you personally to verify your identity. This stops identity thieves from getting new credit cards or loans and running up bills in your name.
  
  

Considerations

• Credit card issuers have their own 24-hour emergency reporting lines that help you if your card gets lost or stolen or you notice suspicious activity on your statement. These toll-free telephone numbers are printed on card backs, statements and card issuer websites. Call as soon as you suspect your account is compromised. Use the emergency line so you get connected to someone who can help you as quickly as possible. The agent can flag any suspicious charges, invalidate your card and issue a new one with a different account number.
  
  

Time Frame

• Equifax, Experian and TransUnion only keep fraud alerts on your credit reports for a limited time when you call their emergency phone numbers. The alerts disappear after 90 days unless you request an extension, which lasts seven years. The emergency reporting lines do not handle extensions because you must submit a police report documenting your identity theft case before lengthening your alert time. You must set up separate extensions with all three credit bureaus.
  
  

Warning

• A representative from your credit card company's fraud department may call you if your account has suspicious activity. Scammers sometimes impersonate card issuers, calling you and asking for your account number and expiration date to supposedly confirm your identity and reactivate your account. They can even spoof caller ID to make it appear that they are calling from the legitimate company. Do not give such callers any information. Hang up and call the emergency number on your credit card. The representative can tell you whether there is really a problem with your account.