General Tips

Security/Credit Freeze

Quick Notes

What is a security freeze?
A security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, is a free tool that restricts access to your credit reports, helping to prevent identity theft and unauthorized credit applications. It prevents lenders and creditors from accessing your credit file to open new accounts in your name.
What is a fraud alert?
A fraud alert is a statement that is added to your credit file that will notify potential credit grantors that you may be or have been a victim of identity theft. Before they extend credit, they should use reasonable procedures to verify your identity. Fraud alerts are free to add and are valid for one year.
11 Ways to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
FBI's IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) Annual Reports: https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports

✪ Freeze website links

Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze
Experian: https://www.experian.com/help/credit-freeze/
TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Info from source websites

Equifax ➚Latest

You must be 18 to create a myEquifax™ account. Parents, legal guardians, or others with Power of Attorney can place a security freeze on theEquifax credit reports of minors under the age of 16.
How it works
- You place a credit freeze on your Equifax credit report.
- Your security freeze restricts access to your Equifax credit report for the purposes of extending credit in your name.
- When you want to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift or permanently remove your security freeze.
Exceptions ➚Latest
Locking or freezing your Equifax credit report will prevent access to it by certain third parties. Locking or freezing your Equifax credit report will not prevent access to your credit report at any other credit bureau. Entities that may still have access to your Equifax credit report include:
- Companies like Equifax Global Consumer Solutions, which provide you with access to your credit report or credit score, or monitor your credit report as part of a subscription or similar service;
- Companies that provide you with a copy of your credit report or credit score, upon your request;
- Federal, state, and local government agencies and courts in certain circumstances;
- Companies using the information in connection with the underwriting of insurance, or for employment, tenant or background screening purposes;
- Companies that have a current account or relationship with you, and collection agencies acting on behalf of those whom you owe;
- Companies that authenticate a consumer’s identity for purposes other than granting credit, or for investigating or preventing actual or potential fraud; and
- Companies that wish to make pre-approved offers of credit or insurance to you. To opt out of such pre-approved offers, visit www.optoutprescreen.com, or call toll free at 1-888-5-OPT OUT (or 1-888-567-8688). Consumers may also send an opt-out request in writing to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740123, Atlanta, GA 30374-0123. Consumers should include their complete name, full address, Social Security number, and signature. Equifax will remove the consumer’s name from its pre-approved offer database and share the request with the other two nationwide consumer reporting agencies.

Experian ➚Latest

Steps
- Sign up for a free Experian account.
- Place a freeze to limit access to your Experian credit file.
- Unfreeze or schedule a thaw any time and get alerts when your freeze changes.
FAQ
- A security freeze will remain on your credit file until you remove it.
- Parents and guardians can freeze the credit file of their children under the age of 16. You can request a minor’s credit report, fraud alert or security freeze by mail.
- You can permanently remove/lift a security freeze on your credit file with one click or schedule an unfreeze for a specified time period.
- You can freeze and unfreeze your Experian credit file in real time using our online service.
- How does it work? A security freeze limits access to your Experian credit report without your permission. Freezing your credit can help protect against identity theft and fraud. Having a freeze on your credit report will not affect your credit scores, but it may prevent your credit report from being accessed until you unfreeze your credit report or credit file. When you freeze your credit, you are still able to submit a loan or credit application to a potential lender, however the lender will be unable to pull your credit file to assess your creditworthiness and make a decision on your application. If you would like for the lender to assess your credit, simply unfreeze your credit file or schedule a thaw in advance for the dates you plan to process a credit application.
- A security freeze can limit access to your credit, even if it was authorized by you. If you know you are going to apply for new credit, you can plan ahead and unfreeze or schedule an unfreeze, before you apply.
- Exceptions:
  - You can still access and view your own report
  - Your current lenders and card issuers that use credit checks in their account management processes
  - Landlords and rental agencies that are screening you as a potential new tenant
  - Debt collectors attempting to obtain a payment
  - Utility companies ()
  - Auto insurance companies ()
  - Credit card issuers that have prescreened you for credit offers
  - Potential employers that you have authorized to conduct background checks
  - Child support agencies
  - Government agents executing court orders or warrants
- If you would like to request a security freeze with Experian by mail you can write to:
```
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
```
  Written requests should include the following information:
  - Your full name
  - Social Security number
  - Complete addresses for the past two years
  - Date of birth
  - A government issued identification card, such as a driver’s license
  - Copy of a utility bill or bank statement
  - Ensure that each copy is legible and displays your name, current mailing address and issue date. Updating your security freeze or unfreeze will take up to 3 days upon receiving your mailed request.

TransUnion ➚Latest

General points
- It's a free option to block lenders from checking your report in order to open a new account.
- A credit freeze won’t send you alerts, but you can log in at any time to see your freeze status.
- Speed: Adding or removing a credit freeze online or by phone typically takes effect almost immediately. Temporarily lifting a freeze can also be immediate; however, it’s advisable to wait a few minutes before a lender requests your TransUnion credit report.
- A credit freeze and a credit lock prevent lenders from checking your credit in order to open a new account. They're both great ways to control who can access your credit. Credit freezes are always free and provided by credit reporting agencies. Credit lock can come as a feature of credit monitoring services.
FAQ
- What is a credit report?
  Your credit report is a record of your financial history. It includes credit inquiries, open and closed credit accounts, your payment history and bankruptcies (if applicable). It also contains personal information such as your current and former address(es), names and employers. All this information is part of your data identity. By managing it regularly, you can help ensure you’re accurately represented in the modern economy so you can get the credit opportunities you desire.
- Should I freeze my credit?
  The choice is yours. If you are concerned about data breaches or just want to be proactive in protecting yourself, a credit freeze could be the right option.
- What is a fraud alert?
  A fraud alert is a statement that is added to your credit file that will notify potential credit grantors that you may be or have been a victim of identity theft. Before they extend credit, they should use reasonable procedures to verify your identity. Fraud alerts are free to add and are valid for one year.
- Will a freeze or fraud alert affect my credit score?
  A credit freeze or fraud alert will not affect your credit score.

More Info

11 Ways to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft ➚Latest

Password-Protect Your Devices
Use a Password Manager
Don't Carry Your Social Security Card
Protect Your Personal Documents
Watch Out for Phishing Attempts
Never Give Out Personal Information Over the Phone
Regularly Check Your Credit Reports
Limit Your Exposure
Be Careful With Public Wi-Fi
Limit What You Share on Social Media
Use a Privacy Screen

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