How To Place a Security Freeze on Your Credit File

You may wish to place a security freeze (also known as a credit freeze) on your credit file. A security freeze is designed to prevent potential creditors from accessing your credit file at the consumer reporting agencies without your consent. There may be fees for placing, lifting, and/or removing a security freeze, which generally range from $5-$20 per action. Unlike a fraud alert, you must place a security freeze on your credit file at each consumer reporting agency individually. For more information on security freezes, you may contact the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies or the FTC as described above. As the instructions for establishing a security freeze differ from state to state, please contact the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies to find out more information.

The consumer reporting agencies may require proper identification prior to honoring your request. For example, you may be asked to provide:

• Your full name with middle initial and generation (such as Jr., Sr., II, III)
• Your Social Security Number
• Your date of birth
• Addresses where you have lived over the past five years
• A legible copy of a government-issued identification card, such as a state drivers’ license or military ID card
• Proof of your current residential address, such as a current utility bill or account statement