What is a Credit Bureau Freeze
or a Security Freeze?

Credit Bureau Freeze or Security Freeze is a consumer-initiated request to help prevent fraud by restricting access to the consumer's credit bureau. Even someone who has the customer's name and Social Security number would probably not be able to get credit in the customer's name.

Will the Credit Score be affected or released?

• The customer's credit score will also be restricted.
• The credit score will not be adversely affected by placing a security freeze on a credit by file.

Who is Restricted?

• Creditors, insurance companies and employers doing background checks will be prevented from viewing the customer's file.
• Creditors with current account relationships are an exception to the file freeze.

What does it cost?

• Identity theft victims who have a police report of identity theft may be eligible for a free security freeze.
• Each credit bureau currently charges a nominal fee.
• Customers should check with the credit bureaus for complete and up to date fee information.

Will a Security Freeze Prevent Prescreen Applications?

No. You can stop the pre-approved credit offers by calling 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688). Or you can do this online at www.optoutprescreen.com. This will stop most of the offers, the ones that go through the credit bureaus. It's good for five years or you can make it permanent.

How long does it take for a security freeze to be in effect?

Credit bureaus must place the freeze no later than five business days after receiving your written request.

How to Request a Security Freeze?

Customers must contact the 3 major bureaus directly to request the freeze or to lift the freeze.

Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348

• Send by certified mail. o Include name, current and former address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
• Enclose a copy of a current utility bill or other proof of current address.
• Pay by check, money order, or credit card (American Express, Visa, Master Card, or Discover only). Give name of credit card, account number, expiration date, and Card Identification Number (4-digit number on front of American Express card above account number or 3-digit number on back of other cards at end of account number).

Experian Security Freeze
P. O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

• Send by certified mail. o Include full name, with middle initial and Jr./Sr., etc.
• Include current address and home addresses for past two years, Social Security number, and birth date.
• Enclose a copy of a government identification card, such as a driver's license, state ID card or military ID card, and one copy of a utility bill, insurance or bank statement, etc., showing your name and current mailing address.
• Pay by check, money order or credit card. Give name of credit card, account number and expiration date.

TransUnion Security Freeze
P. O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

• Send by regular or certified mail. o Include first name, middle initial, last name, Jr., etc.
• Current home address and addresses for past five years, Social Security number, and birth date.
• Pay by credit card. Give name of credit card, account number and expiration date.

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