After millions of Americans began to experience problems of identity theft, particularly when thieves would max out credit cards in another person's name, a law was passed that allowed Americans to freeze their credit. Placing a credit freeze protects your credit by ensuring that no one can access your credit information (not even you) unless the credit bureau is given a special password. This prevents identity thieves from applying for a credit card in your name--however, it also prevents you from easily accessing your credit information, such as when applying for housing.
Equifax
Step 1
Write a letter to Equifax that states that you would like to freeze your credit report. Include your name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number and utility bill for proof of address.
Step 2
Include a copy of a police report or other law enforcement report if you are a victim of identity theft. Including this report may mean that your request to freeze your credit will be free of charge.
Step 3
Visit http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1174053574643/5-1/5-1_PopupLayout.htm and select the state in which you live to determine the cost for freezing your credit report. Enclose this payment via check, money order or include credit card information.
Step 4
Mail all information via certified mail (letter or flat envelope in which someone from the credit bureau must sign) to Equifax Security Freeze P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348.
Experian
Step 1
Visit http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html and select the state in which you live in order to determine what information you should send to the credit bureau.
Step 2
Add in the letter your identification information, including your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, current address, any previous addresses for the past two years and a copy of your utility statement that includes your address.
Step 3
Include a copy of a police report (or other government report) related to identity theft or a check or money order for the payment necessary to place a freeze on the report. While this varies by state, the cost is typically $7.50.
Step 4
Send the information via certified mail to Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013.
TransUnion
Step 1
Write a request for a security freeze that includes your name, address, Social Security Number, copy of your driver's license (or state-issued identification card).
Step 2
Find your corresponding state on this table http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/fraudPrevention/securityFreezeTable.page and enclose the payment via check, money order or credit card number, name as it appears on the card and expiration date. If you are a victim of identity theft, enclose a police report and you will not be charged for this credit freeze.
Step 3
Mail the information via certified mail to: TransUnion, Fraud Victim Assistance Department, P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834.
Things You'll Need
- Copy of utility bill (for proof of address purposes)
- Police report (if you have been the victim of identity theft)
- Copy of your driver's license
- Three mailing envelopes (big enough to enclose several pages of paper
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