How to Remove a Fraud Alert From Experian

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends several standard steps for victims of identity theft. Its first suggestion is placing fraud alerts on your credit reports, so that criminals can't use your information to create new accounts in your name. These alerts warn lenders not to open new accounts without carefully checking the applicant's identity.



The FTC advises extending these fraud alerts for the maximum allowable length of seven years. However, you may need to remove them sooner. Experian, one of the three credit bureaus, has a standard procedure for removing fraud alerts.

Instructions

1

Photocopy, or scan and print, two documents that show your current address. Maxine Sweet of the Experian credit bureau's public education department states that you can copy your driver's license or recent utility bills. Experian requires these documents as proof of your identity.

2

Write a letter specifically requesting that Experian remove the fraud alert from your credit report. Sweet advises that the letter must include your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth.

3

Place the letter and photocopied documents into an envelope and mail it to Experian. The credit bureau's current address for such requests appears on its website (see Resources). It will review the letter and remove the fraud alert provided you have included the necessary information and documentation.