How to Dispute a Fraud With Equifax

If you suspect you're a victim of credit fraud, it's important to take action right away. Contacting credit bureaus, such as Equifax, and putting a fraud alert on your account, makes it very difficult for criminals to access your credit. There are also ways to dispute the fraudulent activity. Once your claim is approved, the information will be blocked from appearing on your credit report.

Instructions

1

File a 90-day fraud alert. If you suspect fraud on your credit report, contact Equifax at (800) 525-6285 and place a fraud alert on your account. This makes it very difficult for another person to access your credit.

2

File an identity theft report. People with fraudulent activity on their credit report should file an identity theft report, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This can be filed with your local police department. Once the report is filed, send it to Equifax to report the fraud. Once approved, the fraudulent activity will no longer display on your credit report.

3

Include supporting documentation. When sending your identity theft report to Equifax, make sure to include supporting documentation which proves your claim. This could be copies of forged checks or other evidence.

4

File an extended fraud alert. Placing an extended fraud alert on your account will make it difficult for fraud to occur in the future. These alerts last up to seven years. However, you must show a valid police report proving you were the victim of fraud.

5

Consider freezing your credit. According to the FTC, consumers can also freeze their credit. If a person is seriously abusing your credit, despite other safeguards, a credit freeze will remove access to your credit. Every time you want to access your own credit, you'll need to contact the reporting agency and prove your identity. Contact your state to freeze your credit (See Resources).