How to Freeze Credit History

Locking your credit file to prevent further identity theft.

Consumers who have been victims of identity theft often request a security freeze or lock on their credit file. A credit freeze prevents anyone from viewing your credit history. When you request a credit-reporting agency to freeze your credit file, the only way your credit report can be viewed is if you contact the credit-reporting agency, in writing, and authorize the lender to have a copy of your credit file.

Things You'll Need

• Phone number of credit-reporting agency

Instructions

1. Call the credit bureau with which you will be requesting the freeze on your credit report. Be prepared to answer security questions regarding your credit file. You will need to provide the credit representative your name, Social Security number, date of birth and mailing address. You may need to fax proof of your identity.

2. Tell the credit bureau representative that you need to freeze your credit file. Explain the reasons necessary for the credit freeze. If you are given a security pin number, write it down and keep in a secure place.

3. Ask the representative to give you the details required to request your credit report during the credit freeze. Inquire if there will be a fee to freeze and unfreeze the account. According to the Clark Howard Show, the bureaus may charge up to $10 per freeze or the freeze may be free.

4. Follow up with any items the credit bureau requests to process the credit freeze.

Tips & Warnings

• Freezing your credit report means that even you cannot request a copy of it without requesting the report in writing and following the procedures established.

References

• Transunion: Security Freeze Table
• Experian: Security Freeze
• Equifax: Security Freeze
• Clark Howard: Credit Freeze State Laws

Resources

• ConsumersUnion: State Laws on Credit Freeze