How Can I Have Fraudulent Information Removed From My Credit Report?

1. File a Police Report and FTC Report

If you've had your personal information stolen or an application for credit made in your name, contact your local police department and ask to file a police report to document the incident. Some lenders or other organizations may require a police report as proof of identity theft.

You can also report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC will create an FTC Identity Theft Report, which can serve as proof of identity theft. They'll also provide a personal recovery plan for you to follow in recovering your identity.

2. Add a Fraud Alert

You have the right to add an initial fraud alert to your credit reports. An initial fraud alert lasts for one year and notifies lenders that someone may be trying to apply for credit using your information. It instructs lenders to contact you and verify your identity before extending credit in your name.

As a confirmed identity theft victim, you also have the option to add an extended fraud alert to your credit reports. You'll need to verify the theft by providing an FTC Identity Theft Report or a police report to the credit bureau. Extended fraud alerts last for seven years, providing more protection than an initial fraud alert.

Tip: If you place a fraud alert with one credit reporting agency, they will automatically notify the other credit reporting companies to add an alert as well.

Learn more: How to Place a Fraud Alert

3. Request a Credit Report From Each Credit Bureau

If you're a victim of fraud, you'll want to get a copy of your credit report from each of the three national consumer credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Credit reports may have different information from one credit bureau to another, since creditors aren't required to report to all three credit bureaus. You can get all three reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com once a week and your updated Experian credit report anytime. Review them carefully for any other fraudulent items.

Learn more: What to Look for When You Review Your Credit Report

4. Dispute Any Fraud-Related Items

You have the right to dispute information on your credit reports that you believe is inaccurate or fraudulent. You'll need to file a dispute with each credit reporting agency individually, which you can do online, by phone or by mail. The quickest way to file a dispute with Experian is through the online Dispute Center.

Disputes are typically resolved within 30 days, but can sometimes take up to 45 days. If the fraudulent information has been deleted from your credit reports, you may want to get an updated credit report for free from Experian so you can confirm that the information has been removed.

5. Contact Your Lenders

Contact any lenders or other organizations that are reporting the fraudulent information to Experian or the other credit reporting agencies and notify them of the situation. Report any fraudulent transactions and ask them to close or freeze any accounts that identity thieves may have opened under your name. They may ask you to complete a fraud affidavit and send them a copy of your police or FTC report.

Learn more: Steps to Take After Identity Theft

6. Sign Up for Credit Monitoring

Experian offers credit monitoring services that can help you keep tabs on any suspicious activity, including a free option that notifies you if a new inquiry or account is added to your credit file. This can provide some peace of mind and enable you to act quickly if someone tries to use your information to obtain credit.

Tip: If you were denied credit due to the fraud, contact the lender to report that information on your credit report was fraudulent, and that you've obtained a police or FTC report and opened an investigation. They may be willing to reconsider your application if you provide copies of your documentation.

Stay Vigilant to Protect Your Credit

Keeping an eye on your credit cards, account statements and credit reports can help you detect suspicious activity quickly so you can nip fraud and identity theft in the bud. Free credit monitoring can help you detect identity theft, but since it only monitors your credit reports, you may want to consider a paid premium program that includes additional types of monitoring.

For instance, Experian's premium identity protection plan includes Social Security number and financial account monitoring, dark web surveillance and privacy scans to see if your personal information is exposed online. You'll also get fraud resolution support to help you recover your identity and identity theft insurance to help you recoup the costs associated with identity theft.