How long does a standard fraud alert last under the FCRA?

A standard fraud alert, as defined under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), lasts for one year. This alert is a notification on a consumer's credit report that warns potential creditors to take extra steps to verify the identity of the person applying for credit. The one-year period allows the consumer to protect themselves against identity theft or fraud activity while still allowing them the opportunity to re-establish their credit without being burdened by excessive verification processes indefinitely.

Fraud alerts can be extended or renewed as needed, but the initial standard duration established under the FCRA is one year. This is an important aspect of consumer protection that helps individuals maintain a balance between safeguarding their credit and being able to access financial services when needed.