Consumers Union’s Guide To Security Freeze Protection (2024)

The are more than 8million new victims of identity theft each year in the U.S. Many of these victims find that crooks have usedstolen personal information like Social Security numbers to open new accounts in their victim’s name.A security freeze gives consumers the choice to “freeze” or lock access to their credit file against anyone trying to open up a new account or to get new credit in their name.

When a security freeze is in place at all three major credit bureaus, an identity thief cannot open a new account because the potential creditor or seller of services will not be able to check the credit file. When the consumer is applying for credit, he or she can lift the freeze temporarily using a PIN so legitimate applications for credit or services can be processed.

SinceNovember 1, 2007, the security freeze has been offered voluntarily by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to all U.S. consumers. Such voluntary freezes available to all consumers, even if state law explicitlyoffers security freezesonly to identity theft victims (e.g., Mississippi).

For more information, see: Frequently Asked Questions about the security freeze. To help you decide if getting a security freeze is right for you, click here.

Placing a Security Freeze

In order to effectively freeze access to your credit files, you must request asecurity freeze to be placed at each of the three major credit bureaus.

You can place a security freeze inany one of three ways:

1. Phone:Call each of the credit bureaus at the number provided below:
   • Transunion: 1-888-909-8872
   • Equifax:1-800-685-1111 (NY residents: 1-800-349-9960)
   • Experian:1-888-397-3742
     
2. Mail:Download and complete our Security Freeze Request by Mail Templates, and send one to each credit bureau at the address provided.
   • Note: Credit bureauaddresses may besubject to change; check the credit bureau’s website for the latest address to ensure your request isreceivedand processed quickly.
3. Online:On each credit bureau’s website (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian), you can find an online form to place your security freeze security freeze.

PLEASE NOTE: Consumers Union has provided the above informationas general guidelines on how to place the security freeze in your state. However, we strongly recommend that you also check with the three major credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) to ensure you are submitting the proper documents when placing and using the security freeze.

State Security Freeze Laws

“Protected Consumer” Groups

31states have additional “Protected Consumer” groups, who can obtain a security freeze at reduced cost, or completely free. Look up your state below to see if these additional protections apply.

If placinga security freezeon the behalf ofa minor, or an incapacitated consumer, the parent or guardian must provide additional documentation as follows:

1. Documents indicating that the requestor has Proof of Authority of the named individual, such as:
   • Court Order
   • Power of Attorney (not applicable in NY, TX or UT)
   • Written, Notarized and Signed Description of Authority (not applicable in VA residents);
     -AND-
2. One of the following identification documents for both the named individual and the parent/representative
   • Proof of social security number (not requiredin IL)
   • Proof of name and address (Driver’s License /ID Card) (Not required inGA)
   • A copy of a bill that shows a name and home address (required in DE, LA, MD, and VA)
   • Copy of Birth Certificate (for minors) (not required inIL)

Allowable Fees for Security Freezes:

Each state has passed security freeze legislation settingthe amount which a credit bureau is allowed tocharge consumers for placing, temporarily lifting, or removing a credit freeze. The fee amount allowed by law varies in each state.

If you are a member of a “Protected Consumer” group within your state, you may qualify for a reduced fee. Check your individual state’s fees below to see if you are a member of a qualifying group, and make sureyou indicate to the credit bureau that you are a protected consumer under applicable state law when you make your security freeze request.

More Resources:

• Identity Theft Resource Center: Full resource kit to help prevent id theft and assistvictims.

Identity Theft Resource Center
3625 Ruffin Road #204
San Diego, CA 92123
Telephone:888-400-5530
Web: http://www.idtheftcenter.org/

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Hotline for consumers to report privacy abuses and request information on ways to protect their privacy.

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
30335th Avenue, Suite 223
San Diego, CA 92103
Telephone: (619) 298-3396
Web: http://www.privacyrights.org