How to Protect Your Credit With a Security Freeze

The more time your credit report is requested by yourself or third parties, the more negatively it affects your credit rating. Put a security freeze on your account to restrict access. You can still get your free annual credit reports and your credit score won't go down, but this will severely hamper a thief's chance of opening an account under your name.

Instructions

1

Check out the laws for your particular state. Some states allow anyone to place a credit freeze, while others will only do so if you are a victim of identity theft. Costs vary depending on state and often it is free for identity theft victims. Check the link below your state for specifics on using the security freeze law.

2

Go to any or all of the three major credit unions and register online. They are TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Fill out your personal information to put a security freeze on the account. If you have to pay a fee, have a payment source ready. If you are a victim of identity theft, you will need to include a copy of the identity fraud report or an identity theft passport.

3

You can also request a freeze by mail. Send a letter for the request to each credit union you wish to have an account freeze at the listed address. Include your full name, Social Security number, current and previous home addresses, a copy of the identity theft report, a utility bill in your name that can verify your current address, a copy of your birth certificate, and some other legal form of personal ID (such as passport or driver's license). You will be sent a confirmation through the mail, and will be given a security code to be able to remove the account freeze.

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion, Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834

Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348