FRAUD VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROCESS

The Four Steps

If you have reason to believe that you are a victim of fraud, Experian® can assist you in your efforts to protect your credit.

Step 1: Consumer Contacts Experian’s National Consumer Assistance Center

• Consumers can visit our online Credit Fraud Center or call Experian’s automated ordering service at 1 888 397 3742, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days each year.
• A initial security alert can be immediately added to the consumer’s credit file. This alerts creditors to confirm the consumer’s identity before extending credit.
• The consumer’s name is removed from prescreened credit solicitation lists as an additional precaution.
• The consumer may request a complimentary consumer report.
• The request is shared with the other national credit reporting companies, Equifax and TransUnion so they can add initial alerts to their credit files.

Step 2: Consumer Receives Reports

• The consumer reviews his or her consumer disclosure for fraudulent data and calls a special telephone number listed on the credit report to speak with an Experian consumer assistance associate who is specially trained in fraud victim assistance.
• Together, the consumer and the consumer assistance associate identify fraudulent items. The items are investigated and verified.

Step 3: Investigation Begins

Experian verifies the information that the consumer alleges as fraudulent with the creditors or data furnishers.

• Upon receipt of a valid police report, Experian blocks alleged fraudulent information from view by creditors and other users of the report. This allows a victim to continue to be credit-active without being penalized for any fraudulent information on his or her report.
• Experian employs special system procedures and matching criteria to ensure that fraudulent data is removed as soon as possible.

Step 4: Fraudulent Data is Removed

Experian must complete an investigation within 30 days (or 45 days if information on an annual credit report is disputed). The data contributor is asked to verify the information they reported with their records. Once the response is received, the consumer will be notified of the results of the investigation.