A security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, is a powerful tool to protect yourself from identity theft. It prevents new creditors from accessing your credit report, making it significantly harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
What is a security freeze?
A security freeze is a request you make to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to restrict access to your credit report. Once a freeze is in place, potential creditors will be unable to view your credit information, making it difficult for them to open new accounts in your name.
Why should I place a security freeze?
- Protect against identity theft: A security freeze is a proactive measure to safeguard your personal information.
- Reduce the risk of fraudulent accounts: By preventing access to your credit report, you make it more difficult for thieves to open new accounts.
- Peace of mind: Knowing your credit is protected can provide significant relief.
How to place a security freeze:
You must contact each credit bureau individually to place a freeze on your credit report. You can typically do this by phone, mail, or online.
Required information:
- Your full name
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- Your current address
- Information from your government-issued ID
Contact information for the credit bureaus:
- Equifax: 1-800-349-9960 or Equifax.com
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or Experian.com
-
TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872 or TransUnion.com
Fees: While federal law prohibits credit bureaus from charging for placing, lifting, or temporarily lifting a security freeze, you may be charged a fee for placing a freeze by phone or mail.
Important considerations:
- Temporary lift: If you need to lift the freeze temporarily for a specific creditor, you can usually do so online or by phone.
- PIN: Some credit bureaus may require you to create a personal identification number (PIN) to manage your freeze.
- Timeframe: Credit bureaus generally must place a freeze within one business day of receiving your request.
Additional tips:
- Consider placing a security freeze on the credit reports of your children.
- Monitor your credit reports regularly for any signs of fraud.
- Be cautious about providing personal information over the phone or online.
By taking the time to place a security freeze on your credit report, you are taking a significant step towards protecting yourself from identity theft.
We take a creative approach to your problems as a consumer. Each case has a unique set of facts. We evaluate those facts to figure out what would be your best option. While some solutions may be obvious, others are not. We really enjoy talking with people and explaining their legal rights and options. If you have a financial roadblock that you need help with, we are just a call away.
If you aren't sure if we could help or not, that's okay. It's free to have a consultation with us. Why wonder if your rights are being trampled on? Let's talk about what happened and if there's something we can do to help. When in doubt call – we have seen “one of everything.” And if we haven't seen your exact scenario, we'd like to. New cases are interesting! Go ahead and give us a call.