A security alert is issued when a consumer has been the victim of lost or stolen identity. Security alerts are reported to the three national consumer credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, who in turn include the alert in all credit requests. The Federal Trade Commission imposes regulations on credit grantors to act accordingly, depending on the alert, and take reasonable precautions to avoid additional credit being issued to criminals. Active Duty Alert is also a security alert for military persons or reservists on active duty. Other consumers who need to protect their personal information, credit accounts and reports from fraud, such as long-term care patients, may request a security freeze, or alternatively issue a consumer statement.
Initial security alerts, if a consumer suspects fraud, will last ninety days. If the fraud is confirmed, the alert may be extended to reflect this status for up to 7 years. Active Duty Alerts for military personnel will last one year.