If you are deployed away from your usual duty station and do not expect to seek new credit while you are deployed, consider placing an "active duty alert" on your credit report. An active duty alert requires creditors to take steps to verify your identity before granting credit in your name. An active duty alert is effective for one year, unless you ask for it to be removed sooner. If your deployment lasts longer than a year, you may place another alert on your report.

To place an active duty alert, or to have it removed, call the toll-free fraud number of one of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies.

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-800-860-7289

The company you call is required to contact the other two. The law allows you to use a personal representative to place or remove an alert.