How to Freeze Credit Report Information in Virginia

Consumers residing in Virginia can request a freeze on their credit reports. The freeze prevents creditors from pulling their credit file. This is useful for those concerned with identity theft, or who have been victims of identity and credit fraud. Contacting the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and Trans Union) and requesting a credit report freeze will significantly reduce such risk. You can request a temporary or permanent freeze and also temporarily or permanently remove a freeze.

Instructions

How to Freeze Credit Report Information in Virginia

1

Contact the major credit bureaus or reporting agencies. The three major credit bureaus are Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. You can contact them by phone, mail or company website. Tell them you want to request a security freeze on your credit report. You will need to provide personal information such as your Social Security number, driver's license number, date of birth, current address and previous address from the past two years. There is a $10 charge per credit bureau to request a security freeze. You will need to decide whether you want the credit report freeze to be permanent or temporary.

2

Provide information regarding identity theft. If you have suffered credit or identity fraud, you can request a security freeze for free. You will need to provide a copy of a police report regarding the fraud incident in order to receive the security freeze for free.

3

Receive confirmation. The credit bureaus are required to provide you with a confirmation notice once a security freeze has been added. If you do not receive a confirmation from all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and Trans Union), re-contact them and tell them you have not received the security freeze confirmation. Make sure they send the confirmation to you in writing for proof it has been executed.