#Equifax lift freeze with pin how to

PLEASE NOTE: Consumers Union has provided the above information as general guidelines on how to place the security freeze in your state.

Online: On each credit bureau’s website ( TransUnion, Equifax and Experian), you can find an online form to place your security freeze security freeze.

Note: Credit bureau addresses may be subject to change check the credit bureau’s website for the latest address to ensure your request is received and processed quickly.

Mail: Download and complete our Security Freeze Request by Mail Templates, and send one to each credit bureau at the address provided.

Phone: Call each of the credit bureaus at the number provided below:.

You can place a security freeze in any one of three ways: In order to effectively freeze access to your credit files, you must request a security freeze to be placed at each of the three major credit bureaus. To help you decide if getting a security freeze is right for you, click here. Such voluntary freezes available to all consumers, even if state law explicitly offers security freezes only to identity theft victims (e.g., Mississippi).įor more information, see: Frequently Asked Questions about the security freeze. Since November 1, 2007, the security freeze has been offered voluntarily by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to all U.S. 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. 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. Many of these victims find that crooks have used stolen 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. The are more than 8 million new victims of identity theft each year in the U.S.

Equifax lift freeze with pin