Understanding Active Duty Alerts | Credit 101 Ep. 200

Active duty alerts are a type of fraud alert specifically designed for military personnel who are deployed or on active duty. They offer protection from identity theft and fraud during periods when service members are away from home and may be more vulnerable to credit fraud.

1. What is an Active Duty Alert?

• Definition: An active duty alert is a fraud alert that provides a specific layer of protection for individuals who are currently serving in the military and are deployed or on active duty. It notifies creditors that the individual is away from their primary residence and may be more susceptible to identity theft.
• Purpose: To help protect military members from potential fraud or identity theft while they are on active duty and unable to closely monitor their credit.

2. Duration and Eligibility

• Duration: Lasts for 12 months from the date it is placed on your credit report. Service members can request an extension if needed.
• Eligibility: Available to anyone who is an active duty military member. You may need to provide proof of active duty status.

3. How to Place an Active Duty Alert

• Contact One Credit Bureau: Reach out to one of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. The bureau you contact will notify the other two bureaus.
  • Equifax: Call 1-800-525-6285 or visit the Equifax website.
  • Experian: Call 1-888-397-3742 or visit the Experian website.
  • TransUnion: Call 1-888-909-8872 or visit the TransUnion website.
• Provide Documentation: You will need to provide proof of your military status, such as a deployment letter or a military ID.
• Receive Confirmation: After placing the alert, you will receive confirmation from the credit bureau, and the alert will be added to your credit report.

4. Impact of an Active Duty Alert

• Creditor Verification: Creditors are required to take additional steps to verify your identity before issuing new credit. This includes contacting you directly and verifying your identity through other means.
• Credit Report Access: Your existing credit accounts remain active, and you can still apply for credit as usual, but creditors will need to follow stricter verification procedures.

5. Benefits of an Active Duty Alert

• Enhanced Protection: Offers increased protection against identity theft while you are away from home, ensuring that creditors verify your identity more thoroughly.
• Peace of Mind: Provides additional security for service members who may be unable to monitor their credit reports closely during deployment.

6. Renewing or Updating an Active Duty Alert

• Renewal: The active duty alert lasts for 12 months. You can renew it by contacting the credit bureaus again and providing updated proof of your continued active duty status.
• Updating Information: If your deployment status or contact information changes, update the active duty alert with the credit bureaus to ensure continued protection.

7. Active Duty Alert vs. Other Fraud Alerts

• Active Duty Alert: Specifically designed for military personnel on active duty, with a duration of 12 months.
• Initial Fraud Alert: Lasts for 90 days and is generally used for individuals who suspect they may be at risk of identity theft.
• Extended Fraud Alert: Lasts for 7 years and is for individuals who have already been victims of identity theft.

8. Additional Considerations

• Monitor Your Credit: Even with an active duty alert in place, regularly review your credit reports for any unusual activity or discrepancies.
• Consider a Security Freeze: For even greater protection, consider placing a security freeze in addition to the active duty alert. A security freeze restricts access to your credit report entirely until you lift it.

Conclusion

Active duty alerts provide valuable protection for military personnel who are on active duty and may be more vulnerable to identity theft. By understanding how to place and manage an active duty alert, service members can take proactive steps to safeguard their credit and reduce the risk of fraud while they are away from home.