Following the most recent scenario of data breach in the country, involving the Social Security numbers and personal information of 2.9 million people, it once again returns to show any affected individual how important it is to take an active role in securing one’s credit and identity. Among the best actions you will want to do is to freeze your credit using the big three credit-reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. In this article, you will learn how to do just that with each bureau.
Understanding what a Credit Freeze means
A security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, restricts access to your credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Once a freeze is placed on your credit report, a creditor will not be able to access your credit report unless you already have a preexisting account with them and the access is for a purpose not related to the existing account.
Freezing your Credit with Equifax
You can go online, make a phone call, or send information through the mail to freeze your credit with Equifax. Here’s how you do it:
- Head over to The Equifax Security Freeze website or call them at (888) 298-0045.
- You need to provide the necessary personal information, which includes your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and other identifying details.
- A PIN is generated which you would use in case you want to lift or remove the freeze.
- Equifax will mail you a confirmation letter and PIN.
Freeze your Credit with Experian
Experian credit freeze can be done online or via phone or by mail. Here is how:
- Visit the Experian Credit Freeze Center or call (888) 397-3742.
- Create an Experian account or log in to an existing one.
- Going ahead with the given instructions and prompts, you can then enforce a credit freeze.
- A confirmation mail will be sent in the mail related to the details of the credit freeze.
Freezing your Credit with TransUnion
The process for implementing a freeze with TransUnion is as follows:
- Navigate to TransUnion’s Credit Freeze page. However, you can also place a credit freeze by phone at (888) 909-8872.
- TransUnion requests some personal information such as your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
- You must provide a PIN that you will use in the future if you wish to lift or remove the freeze.
- TransUnion will send you a confirmation letter with the PIN.
Lift or remove a Credit Freeze
If you plan to apply for credit or rent an apartment or for anything else that requires a credit check, you’ll need to lift the freeze or do away with it all together, call the credit bureau and give them your request to lift the freeze. Data your social security number, address, and date of birth. Say if you want to lift the freeze temporarily to give access in a specific time period or permanently.
If you request the lift online or by phone, credit bureaus must lift the freeze within one hour; if by mail, within three business days.
Monitoring your Credit after a Freeze
Though a credit freeze really does protect credit reports, it still remains wise to keep a close eye on credit reports for anything unusual. Free access to credit reports can be gained through AnnualCreditReport.com, while excellent credit monitoring services are available to track credit changes for you.
