How long does an extended fraud alert remain in a consumer's file?

An extended fraud alert remains in a consumer's file for a period of five years, not seven. This is a provision under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) designed to protect consumers who have been victims of identity theft. An extended fraud alert requires credit reporting agencies to take additional steps to verify a consumer's identity before providing credit information.

A consumer can request this type of alert if they can present a valid identity theft report. This alert is quite helpful for individuals trying to ensure that no further unauthorized accounts are opened in their name for an extended period.

Understanding the length and purpose of the extended fraud alert is crucial for consumers aiming to safeguard their credit and prevent ongoing identity theft issues.