Active Duty Alert
Fraud Protection for Military Members on Active Duty
An Active Duty Alert is a fraud protection feature that active duty service members can place on their credit reports while deployed or serving away from their normal duty station. Like a credit freeze, the alert helps reduce the risk of identity theft by requiring lenders and creditors to take additional steps to verify identity before approving new credit applications.
Active Duty Alerts are available through the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Once placed with one bureau, that bureau is generally required to notify the other two on the consumer’s behalf.
From a credit protection perspective, Active Duty Alerts are important because military personnel are often at higher risk for identity theft during deployment or relocation. The alert makes it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to open accounts using stolen personal information.
An Active Duty Alert lasts for one year and can be renewed for the length of active service. It also removes the consumer’s name from many pre-screened credit and insurance offer lists for two years unless the consumer chooses to opt back in.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an Active Duty Alert?
An Active Duty Alert is a fraud protection measure placed on a credit report for military members serving on active duty.
Who can place an Active Duty Alert?
Active duty military members serving away from their usual duty station, including deployed service members, are generally eligible.
How long does an Active Duty Alert last?
An Active Duty Alert lasts for one year and can be renewed during active service.
Does an Active Duty Alert affect your credit score?
No. Placing an Active Duty Alert does not impact your credit score.
How does an Active Duty Alert help prevent fraud?
It requires creditors to take additional steps to verify identity before approving new credit applications.
Is an Active Duty Alert the same as a credit freeze?
No. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report entirely, while an Active Duty Alert only adds identity verification requirements.
Do you need to contact all three credit bureaus?
No. Contacting one major credit bureau generally triggers notification to the other two bureaus.
Can Active Duty Alerts stop pre-screened credit offers?
Yes. Active Duty Alerts remove consumers from many pre-screened credit and insurance marketing lists for two years.
Is credit monitoring included with an Active Duty Alert?
Active duty military members may qualify for free credit monitoring services, but enrollment usually requires contacting each credit bureau separately.
