Placing a fraud alert on a credit report will help prevent and protect you from future identity theft crimes. A fraud alert is a valuable tool in fighting identity theft. Here are steps to protect yourself from identity thieves with the help of a fraud alert.

1. • 1

     Call the national credit bureaus immediately if your identity has been lost, stolen or released onto an unsecure website. The three major credit bureaus are Experion, TransUnion and Equifax. Guard your personal identity which includes your social security number, name and address, birthday, and account numbers.

   • 2

     Don't wait to report a discrepancy to the credit bureaus. Clearing your name from the actions of identity thieves will be difficult if too much time has past without protesting the charges.

   • 3

     Obtain a credit report with an account or ID number before calling into the credit bureaus. If you have a legitimate concern your credit and name has been stolen by an identity thief, you can speak with a representative instantly by following the prompts that state whether you have been a victim of fraud.

   • 4

     Once you reach a representative from the credit bureaus, they will put a statement on your credit report that explains to merchants or anyone opening credit in your name, that you have been a victim of a fraudulent crime and require them to call you before extending credit or opening an account.

   • 5

     Providing a police report that states you are a victim of identity theft, will allow a fraud alert to stay on your credit report for seven years. Renew a fraud alert every 90 days.