How to freeze your credit — and how it can help protect you after a data breach
Data breaches are a fact of life today but recently National public data breach, leaked nearly 3 million records — including Social Security numbers — to the dark web, in what could be one of the worst breaches we’ve ever seen. If you’re wondering what you can do to protect yourself, a good place to start is by freezing your credit. A credit freeze is a simple thing you can do to prevent bad guys from using your personal information for their own gain.
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A credit freeze prevents creditors from viewing your credit report while applying for credit. If creditors can’t access your credit report, they won’t open new accounts in your name. You can freeze your credit with the three credit bureaus and then unfreeze it at any time if you want to apply for a home loan or credit card.
How to Freeze Your Credit
What you need: While the requirements may vary between the three credit bureaus, you must provide them with your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Be prepared to provide contact information, government-issued identification, and proof of address to verify your identity.
The three major credit bureaus that can access your identity information are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You must contact each of them to freeze your credit:
- Equifax: You can freeze your credit online using Equifax Security Freeze Serviceby phone by calling 1-888-378-4329, or by mail using this form.
- Experian: Manage your credit freeze online at Experian websiteby phone at 1-888-397-3742 or by submitting a request in writing.
- Trans Alliance: Freeze your credit with TransUnion Onlineby phone by calling 800-916-8800, or submit a request in writing.
When you contact each credit company, you’ll go through an information processing process that may vary depending on how you contact them:
- Online: Create an account and fill out the form, including data to confirm your identity.
- By phone: Follow the instructions or talk to a representative to freeze your credit.
- By mail: Submit your request in writing to the credit bureau, including a copy of your identification.
Note: Credit card companies used to issue PINs to manage your frozen credit, but that practice is no longer practiced.
Once the credit freeze is complete, you will receive a notification confirming that the process is complete.
A credit freeze will remain frozen until you change it or unfreeze it. You can unfreeze your credit by contacting all credit bureaus, accessing your accounts, and requesting a credit freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a credit freeze?
A security freeze, often referred to as a credit freeze, allows people to restrict access to their credit report, making it harder for thieves and other bad actors to access it. A credit freeze is a free service; users can place, lift, or unlock their credit report at any time.
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When you apply for a mortgage, credit card, or other loan, you must unlock your credit so that the lender can access it. Consumers can also take a temporary upgrade, which unlocks it for a limited time before it is restored.
Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?
No, freezing your credit does not affect your credit score. It also does not prevent you from getting your free annual credit report and using your existing credit accounts.
Freezing your credit will significantly limit access to your report, but it won’t block it completely. Existing creditors you have accounts with will still have access to your credit report, as will government agencies, employers (with your consent), and insurance companies. Finally, debt collectors may be able to access or monitor your credit and assess your financial situation.
If I freeze my credit, how long will it stay frozen?
A credit freeze is permanent until you change it. It does not expire or require you to renew it. Once you place a credit freeze, it will remain in place until you remove it online, by phone, or by mail.
