Placing, temporarily lifting, or removing a security freeze is free.
When you want to prevent access to your Equifax credit report for the purposes of opening credit in your name.
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You place a credit freeze on your Equifax credit report.
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Your security freeze restricts access to your Equifax credit report for the purposes of extending credit in your name.
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When you want to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift or permanently remove your security freeze.
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What you need to know
You must be 18 to create a myEquifax™ account.
Visit Customer Care to learn how to submit requests by phone or mail.
Parents, legal guardians, or others with Power of Attorney can place a security freeze on theEquifax credit reports of minors under the age of 16.
A security freeze is one step you can take to help prevent access to your Equifax credit report to open credit accounts, with certain exceptions. Freezes are federally regulated. To freeze your other credit reports, you will need to contact Experian and TransUnion directly.
Before applying for credit, you will need to lift your security freeze so that potential creditors can access your Equifax credit report. At Equifax, you can manage your freeze online with your username and password after creating a myEquifax account.
You can also manage your freeze by phone: call us at (888) 298-0045. You'll be required to give certain information to verify your identity. You'll also have the option to receive a one-time PIN by text message or answer questions based on information in your Equifax credit report for identity verification. Placing, lifting and removing a security freeze is free.
To place a security freeze on the Equifax credit report of an active duty military service member, you will need to submit proof of their identity, along with yours, and proof that you are their authorized representative. Download and follow the instructions on the Military Families Freeze Request form.
To place a security freeze on the Equifax credit report of a minor (under the age of 16), you will need to submit proof of their identity, along with yours, and proof that you are their authorized representative. Download and follow the instructions on the Minor Freeze Request form.
To place a security freeze on the Equifax credit report of an incapacitated adult, you will need to submit proof of their identity, along with yours, and proof that you are their authorized representative. Download and follow the instructions on the Incapacitated Adult Freeze Request form.
In order to add a security freeze to the TransUnion or Experian credit reports of an incapacitated adult or a minor, you will need to contact those bureaus directly.
Help reduce your identity theft risk
Being a victim of identity theft can be a frightening experience. Learn more about the warning signs of ID theft and what to do if you believe your identity has been stolen.
Tools to help better protect your information
Fraud Alerts, Security Freezes And Credit Report Lock
Each can help you better protect your personal information, but they aren’t the same. Here’s a closer look at how they function.
Protect your identity, online and offline
While it may not be possible to completely protect yourself from identity theft, there are some steps you can take to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim.