A fraud alert and a credit freeze are different tools. Neither replaces checking existing accounts, reports and statements for unauthorized activity.
A fraud alert asks for extra care
An initial fraud alert tells businesses to take steps to verify identity before opening new credit. The FTC explains that contacting one of the three nationwide credit bureaus is enough to place an initial alert across all three. Check the FTC’s current guidance for eligibility and duration.
A freeze restricts access
A credit freeze restricts many prospective creditors from accessing a report for a new account. You place and manage a freeze separately with each bureau. You can lift it temporarily when you need to apply for credit.
If identity theft has happened
Report it at IdentityTheft.gov ↗ to get a recovery plan. Contact relevant account providers promptly. Review your reports and document accounts or inquiries you did not authorize.
Pick the tool that fits your situation; you may use both. Do not assume either stops fraud on an existing account.
Source and review
Based on official consumer guidance ↗. Last editorial review: September 2026. Check the source for current details.