Report to Experian
Last updated September 18, 2026
The short answer
Place a free Experian fraud alert, which covers all three bureaus
Experian gives one fact that saves most people two phone calls. Placing a fraud alert with any of the three credit bureaus applies it at all three automatically. Every kind of alert is free and none of them affect your credit score.
What they handle
- Fraud alerts on your Experian credit file
- Extended alerts for confirmed identity theft victims
- Active-duty alerts for military assignment
- Accounts on your credit report that are not yours
How to file a report
- 1
Place an initial fraud alert online
Anyone can place one, victim or not. Experian adds initial and active-duty alerts to your file online in real time. It tells creditors to take extra steps to confirm identity.
- 2
Place an extended alert if you are certain
An extended fraud alert lasts seven years or until you cancel it, and requires proof of identity theft. Experian reviews the documents you upload or post in.
- 3
Do not repeat it at the other bureaus
A fraud alert placed at any one of the three credit reporting agencies is applied automatically to all three files. A security freeze is different and must be placed at each.
What you'll need
- Proof of identity theft, for an extended alert
- Your FTC identity theft report, if you have filed one
- A list of accounts you do not recognise
What to expect
An initial alert is immediate and free. An extended alert waits on document review. Neither changes your credit scores, and neither removes a fraudulent account by itself.
Frequently asked questions
Does a fraud alert hurt my credit score?
No. Experian states that placing a fraud alert does not impact credit scores, and that every type of alert is free.
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