What is a fraud alert?

A fraud alert is a protective measure designed to reduce the risk of credit card fraud. It is a notification that is placed on a credit card holder’s account, informing banks and merchants that extra verification should be requested before approving any transactions. Fraud alerts are regulated by federal and state laws, including the Credit Card Fraud Alert Law in Alaska. The Credit Card Fraud Alert Law of Alaska requires banks and merchants to request a secondary form of identification when a credit card holder attempts to make purchases with a card that has an active fraud alert on it. This reduces the chances of fraud that can occur if someone has stolen or fraudulently obtained a credit card number. Fraud alerts are also available for consumers who are victims of credit card fraud or identity theft. If a consumer notices unauthorized transactions on their account, they can place a fraud alert to stop any further transactions. This alert is in place for one or two years, and it can be extended if needed. Fraud alerts are a great way to protect your credit card information and ensure that it is not misused. It is important to remember that you can request a fraud alert through your credit card issuer or the major credit bureaus.

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What is a fraud alert?

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