Service members can place an “active duty alert” on their credit reports to help minimize the risk of someone obtaining credit in their name while deployed. This alert will require businesses to take extra steps before granting credit in your name. You will need to contact a credit reporting agency (once contacted, each agency is required to contact the others), request the active duty alert, provide proof of identity, and mark your calendar for a year. If your deployment is longer than one year, the alert must be renewed. Verify that the alert has been placed for all three credit agencies before deploying and keep copies of all letters or emails for your records.
Credit Reporting Agencies:
Equifax – 800-525-6285 Experian – 888-397-3742 TransUnion – 800-680-7289
