 TITLE: How Fraud Alerts Can Affect Credit Applications CONTENT: How a Fraud Alert Can Affect Getting Credit\n-------------------------------------------\nFraud alerts have no impact on the contents of your credit reports, or on the credit scores based on that information, but they can delay the credit application process. The delays are related to the time required for the extra identity-verification steps lenders must take when they process applications from consumers whose credit reports include fraud alerts.\nIn many cases (mortgage applications, for example, and some car loans), the applicant won't even notice the extra time required for the extra ID validation. But the time lag can interfere with instant-credit approvals connected with in-store or online applications for credit cards or financing. Automated credit-approval systems may not be equipped to handle the ID verification steps required by a fraud alert, so they may stall the application process as a result.\nLaw prevents creditors from denying applications because of fraud alerts. So as long as you're qualified for the loan or credit card, the lender will ultimately approve your application. You will likely need to speak with a company representative over the phone or face-to-face for identity-verification purposes—a process that takes a little extra time. END