This Equifax customer service line is set up specifically for consumers seeking to place fraud alerts on their credit accounts. Equifax is one of three major credit bureaus, so if you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud or identity theft, informing them is an important way to prevent someone else from opening up credit accounts in your name.
The first time I called this number, the Equifax customer service department was apparently closed. After dialing, I was greeted with an automated message informing me of this fact. The message told me I had called after “normal business hours” and instructed me to call back “tomorrow.” Somewhat frustratingly, the message did not specify exactly what Equifax’s normal business hours are. After the automated message played, my call was automatically disconnected.
I had a bit more luck the following day. I called mid-morning and this time was connected to a different automated message, this one explaining that I could set up a fraud alert on my credit report free of charge. The message also let me know that fraud alerts are good for up to one year and that placing one with Equifax would automatically place the same alert on my credit accounts with TransUnion and Experian (the other two of the three major credit bureaus).
I was then provided with several menu options, including setting up the fraud alert through an automated system or speaking to a customer service representative. I chose the option to speak with an agent, at which point the line started ringing. Unfortunately, it just kept ringing and then disconnected my call before a representative ever picked up.
The final time I called, I attempted to place a fraud alert on my credit account using the automated system. Given that Equifax offers this automated option, it’s unclear why I received the after-hours message on my initial phone call. But perhaps automated systems occasionally need breaks as well?
Once I successfully connected to the Equifax automated system, I was prompted to go through an identification verification process. I was asked to enter my phone number, address, zip code and Social Security number. This process went relatively smoothly, although some customers may reasonably be hesitant to enter their Social Security number into an automated phone system. After successfully placing the fraud alert on my credit account, I was given the option to listen to my Fair Credit Reporting Act rights over the phone or have the information mailed to my address. Note that listening to these extensive rights over the phone takes a little while — a bit over 5 minutes, in fact. The automated system also gives you the option to remove a fraud alert from your credit report.
This Equifax phone number is ranked #7 out of 13 because 187,800 Equifax customers tried our tools and information and gave us feedback after they called. The reason customers call 800-525-6285 is to reach the Equifax Security Breach department for problems like Unfreeze Credit, Freeze Credit, Locked Account, Dispute a Charge, Credit Score Change. As far as we can tell, Equifax has call center locations in India or Philippines and you can call during their open hours Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm EST. Equifax has 13 phone numbers and 17 different ways to get customer help. We've compiled information about 800-525-6285 and ways to call or contact Equifax with help from customers like yourself. Please help us continue to grow and improve this information and these tools by sharing with people you know who might find it useful.
Calling Equifax at this number should be pretty straightforward. Also important is what you do once you call, or what your other phone number options are. Unfortunately, our call-you-back tool is not available for 800-525-6285. For companies that we support, we call for you, press the right buttons to get through the phone menus, wait on hold, and call you back when Equifax Security Breach agents can talk. It's not available here, but keep an eye out for it when future customer service issues arise with companies other than Equifax Once on the phone with Equifax's Security Breach department, you may need to provide them with information that identifies you as a customer, like your full name (or name on the account), email address, phone number, or an account number. It's usually worthwhile to gather this information before you call.
While 800-525-6285 is Equifax's #7 most popular phone number, it's not the only way to get a hold of their customer care team. You already know from reading above that 800-846-5279 is their best customer phone number overall, and we have put together a comparison of their 17 total ways to contact support for you to look at as well. One thing to keep in mind as you try to reach Equifax help by calling them, is that other customers give their customer support at this number a 60% score for their communication skills and a 76% score for the overall help they received. That could be indicative of their abilities to help you resolve your problem overall, regardless of whether or not you call this number.