A credit report freeze is one protective measure Equifax recommends when there is a data breach. Every consumer, including you, should understand this protective measure as you protect your data, identity and credit.
What is a Credit Report Freeze?
A credit report freeze allows you to restrict who can access your credit report. When a freeze is in place, only certain professional entities can see your information, and it’s less likely that an identity theft can access your data.
Ways a Credit Report Freeze Affects You
When you place a credit report freeze on your account, it affects you in several ways.
- It prevents certain entities from accessing your credit report. This includes potential employers, mortgage companies and car dealers.
- Existing creditors and any debt collection agencies they hire and government agencies responding to a court order or subpoena may continue to access your credit report.
- You can continue to access your free annual credit report.
- It does not affect your credit score.
- You will continue to receive prescreened credit offers for credit or insurance. Call 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688) or go online to optoutprescreen.com if you wish to stop receiving these offers.
How to Place a Credit Report Freeze
Contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies to freeze your credit report.
Equifax — 18003499960
Experian — 1 888 397 3742
TransUnion — 18889098872
To place a freeze, you must provide your name, birth date, Social Security number, address and
other personal information. You will also have to pay a fee. It typically ranges from $5 to $10 but
varies based on where you live.
How to Know if Your Credit Report Freeze is Successful
After placing a credit report freeze, you will receive a confirmation letter from the credit reporting
company. It includes a unique password or PIN you will need if you ever choose to lift the freeze.
How to Lift a Credit Report Freeze
Your credit report freeze remains in place indefinitely. However, you may want to lift it so you can
apply for a job or credit. To do that, simply contact the credit reporting company to request a lift. You
will provide your password or PIN, pay a fee that varies by state and indicate if you want a
temporary or permanent lift.
A credit report freeze can protect your personal data and identity. Consider monitoring your bank,
insurance and credit card statements, though, too, and purchase cyber liability insurance as a
further protective measure.
