How long is an initial fraud alert active?

An initial fraud alert is active for 30 days. This type of alert is designed to inform creditors to take extra steps to verify an individual's identity before granting credit. When someone places an initial fraud alert, it signals to potential lenders that they should be cautious, which can help prevent identity theft.

The other options represent longer durations for different types of alerts. For instance, a 6-month alert refers to an extended fraud alert, which is available to consumers who provide additional documentation proving they are victims of identity theft. Although a year and two years are durations associated with different types of fraud alerts as well, they pertain to specific situations like extended fraud alerts or various state laws. Hence, the defining feature of the initial fraud alert being active for 30 days is critical for consumers seeking immediate protection without needing to substantiate claims of identity theft.