How to Add Identity Freeze to Your Credit Report

Since 2007, it has been possible to freeze an individual credit history. Credit agencies agreed to make a freeze possible because identity theft had become a real concern. Consumers demanded a way to ensure quickly that no new accounts could be opened in the event of identity breach. This article will explain how to add an identity freeze to your credit report.

Instructions

1

Gather financial information. Requirements for freezing a credit report vary from state to state. In most cases, it is necessary to send a credit reporting agency a full name, an address or list of addresses for the past two years, social security number, date of birth, copy of a government identification card (i.e., driver's license or military ID), copy of a bank statement, utility bill or insurance statement that has a name and address clearly legible.

2

Go online and visit one of the three major credit reporting agencies' web sites. They are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. It is only necessary to file a freeze with one agency. Each agency will have a link on its page for how to file a freeze. The information is set by statute, and so is the same for all three agencies.

3

Check specific requirements for your state. Each state has different requirements and different fees for a credit freeze. It is important to read requirements before sending anything to a credit agency.

4

Locate the address to mail all your documentation. Mail it. Once the information has been received and processed, the credit reporting agency will provide a PIN to you that can be used to break the freeze. Do not lose it.