Military service members, including those in active duty and the National Guard, have specific rights and protections under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to help them monitor and protect their credit. Here are some key aspects of free credit monitoring available to military service members:

1. FCRA Requirements:

• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires credit reporting agencies to provide certain protections and benefits to active-duty military servicemembers.

1. Coverage for Active-Duty Military Servicemembers:

Free credit monitoring is available to active-duty military servicemembers, including those in the National Guard.

1. Credit File Notifications:

• Credit reporting agencies are required to provide credit file notifications to active-duty military personnel. These notifications inform servicemembers about any material changes to their credit files, such as new accounts opened in their names.

1. Placing a Freeze on Your Credit Reports:

• Active-duty military personnel have the right to place a free security freeze (also known as a credit freeze) on their credit reports. A credit freeze restricts access to their credit information, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in their names.

1. Active Duty Fraud Alert:

• Servicemembers can place an active duty fraud alert on their credit reports. This alert requires creditors to take extra precautions to verify the identity of anyone applying for credit in the servicemember’s name.

1. Ongoing Review of Credit Reports:

• It’s important for military personnel to continue reviewing their credit reports regularly, even while on active duty. Regular monitoring helps servicemembers detect and address any fraudulent activity or errors on their credit reports promptly.

These protections and free credit monitoring services aim to assist military service members in safeguarding their financial well-being, particularly during times when they may be deployed or face other challenges. By staying informed about changes to their credit files and taking proactive steps to protect their credit, military personnel can reduce the risk of identity theft and financial fraud.