Extended fraud alerts last seven years when supported by what?

• A. An identity theft affidavit
• B. A police report
• C. A bankruptcy filing
• D. A credit card application

Answer: (A)

Extended fraud alerts provide seven years of protection for victims of identity theft, but that seven-year duration is triggered only when the consumer provides documentation showing the identity theft. An identity theft affidavit serves as that sworn documentation, confirming the victim’s claim and requesting the extended alert. Once the bureaus receive the affidavit, they place the seven-year extended alert and require additional verification from creditors before approving new credit in the victim’s name. Other options listed don’t supply the official documentation of identity theft needed to extend the alert for seven years, so they aren’t used to justify this longer duration.