Fraud Alerts in Canada — Flag Your Credit File and Stop Unauthorized Accounts

Do I Qualify?

You are a Canadian resident with a credit file at Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada
You suspect your personal information has been stolen or misused, OR you want proactive protection
You want lenders to verify your identity more carefully before approving new credit in your name

What Is It?

A fraud alert is a flag placed on your credit file that signals to lenders: verify this person’s identity carefully before extending new credit. Both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada offer fraud alerts for free.

Canada does not have a federally mandated credit freeze law equivalent to the US system — where a freeze completely blocks new credit inquiries until you lift it. Canadian fraud alerts are softer: they flag your file and instruct lenders to take extra verification steps, but a determined lender could still extend credit (they are not legally blocked from doing so). Despite this limitation, fraud alerts are a practical and free tool that significantly raises the bar for fraudsters trying to open accounts in your name.

Quebec note: Quebec’s Law 25 (Bill 64, fully in force since September 2023) provides consumers with additional rights regarding consent and data security. Quebec residents can also file complaints with the Commission d’accès à l’information (CAI) for stronger enforcement.

How It Works

Equifax Canada — Placing a Fraud Alert

Visit equifax.ca and navigate to “Fraud Centre” or “Consumer Fraud Protection”
Log in or create a free account
Request a fraud alert — you’ll need to verify your identity with personal information
Alternatively, call Equifax Canada at 1-800-465-7166 to request a fraud alert by phone
Equifax will add the alert to your file, which will be visible to any lender who pulls your Equifax credit report

TransUnion Canada — Placing a Fraud Alert

Visit transunion.ca and go to “Fraud Alerts”
Complete the online request — you will need to verify your identity
Alternatively, call TransUnion Canada at 1-800-663-9980
The alert will appear on your credit report for a set period (typically 6 years unless you remove it earlier)

Do both. Equifax and TransUnion operate independently. A fraud alert at one bureau does not automatically appear at the other. You must contact both.

What happens after you place the alert? When a lender pulls your credit report for a new application, they will see the fraud alert flag. The alert instructs them to contact you directly (at your phone number or address on file) to verify you authorized the application before proceeding. Most legitimate lenders will call you. This extra step makes it significantly harder for a fraudster to open accounts without your knowledge.

Canada vs. the US: Key Differences

Feature	Canada	United States
Free fraud alert	Yes (both bureaus)	Yes (required by FCRA)
Credit freeze (hard block)	Not federally mandated	Yes — free, mandated by FCRA
Freeze duration	N/A	Indefinite until lifted
Fraud alert duration	~6 years (Equifax); renewable (TransUnion)	1 year initial; 7 years for extended
Third bureau (Experian)	Experian not active in CA consumer market	Yes — must contact all 3 bureaus

Because Canada lacks a true credit freeze, placing a fraud alert is the closest available protection. For high-risk situations (your SIN was stolen, you’ve been a confirmed identity theft victim), consider also contacting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) and your bank’s fraud department.

What Most People Don’t Know

Fraud alerts are free and renewable. Neither bureau charges for placing, maintaining, or removing a fraud alert. There is no reason not to place one if you’re concerned about your data.
Canada has no Experian. Unlike the US, Experian does not operate a consumer credit bureau in Canada. You only need to contact Equifax and TransUnion.
A fraud alert doesn’t block hard inquiries entirely. Lenders can still pull your report — the alert instructs them to verify your identity, but doesn’t prevent the pull. This is different from a US freeze, which actually blocks new inquiries.
Quebec’s Law 25 adds teeth. Quebec residents have stronger consent and data correction rights under provincial law, and the CAI (Commission d’accès à l’information) has enforcement authority that complements the federal PIPEDA framework.
You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, report it to the CAFC at antifraudcentre.ca. This creates a formal record and helps law enforcement track fraud patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I place a fraud alert in Canada, will it affect legitimate credit applications I make?

Yes, slightly. When you apply for new credit, the lender may call you to verify your identity before approving the application. This adds a step but is not burdensome — the lender will use the contact information on your credit file, so make sure it’s current. The alert does not prevent you from getting credit; it just requires extra verification.

How long does a Canadian fraud alert last?

Fraud alert duration varies by bureau. Equifax Canada fraud alerts typically remain for up to 6 years. TransUnion Canada alerts can be set for varying durations and are renewable. Check with each bureau when you place the alert and set a reminder to renew if needed.

Can I remove a fraud alert once it’s no longer needed?

Yes. Both bureaus allow you to remove a fraud alert at any time by contacting them online or by phone. Removing it is straightforward and free.

Is there anything stronger than a fraud alert available in Canada?

Not at the federal level. Some provinces are beginning to discuss credit freeze legislation, but as of 2026 no province has mandated a full freeze mechanism. Your strongest options are: fraud alerts at both bureaus, monitoring your credit reports regularly, signing up for free credit monitoring services offered by the bureaus, and immediately disputing any accounts you don’t recognize.

What if I’ve already been a victim of identity theft — is a fraud alert enough?

A fraud alert is a good first step but not sufficient on its own. Also report the identity theft to your local police (get a report number), contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca), notify your bank and any affected creditors, and file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner if a company’s data breach caused the theft. Document everything.