 TITLE: What’s the Difference Between a Credit Freeze and a Credit Lock? CONTENT: When to Use a Fraud Alert\n-------------------------\nA less severe alternative to credit freezes and credit locks is another free option called a fraud alert. Fraud alerts allow lenders to see your credit file, but it requires verification of your identity before any credit application is processed or any new account is opened in your name.\nThere are three types of fraud alerts available:\n*   **Initial fraud alert**: While all fraud alerts are free, only the most basic one, known as an initial or temporary alert, can be set up by anyone, anytime and for any reason. You may want to place a temporary fraud alert if you suspect your personal information has been compromised but haven't yet confirmed it; if a credit card goes missing, for instance, or if you see unusual activity on a credit card or bank account but haven't yet determined if it's criminal. A temporary fraud alert lasts one year, but can be renewed indefinitely.\n*   **Active-duty fraud alert**: This type of fraud alert also lasts one year, and is designed for use by members of the U.S. armed forces on assignment away from home.\n*   **Extended fraud alert**: This alert lasts seven years and requires you to submit a copy of a fraud report you supplied to a law enforcement agency.\nAll three types of fraud alerts are lifted automatically upon expiration, but you can remove one anytime before that upon request, just as you can discontinue a credit freeze or credit lock. END