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Security Freeze Information
Any consumer in California may place a security freeze on his or her credit report by requesting one in writing by certified mail to the credit reporting agencies. To prove you are a victim, you must also send an investigative report or a complaint to a law enforcement agency about unlawful use of your personal information by another person. However, for non-victims and non-seniors, a charge of $10 will be applied for each placing, removing or temporary lifting of a security freeze. A security freeze shall prohibit, with certain specific exceptions, the credit reporting agency from releasing the consumer's credit report or any information from it without the express authorization of the consumer.
How to "freeze" your credit files
A security freeze means that your file cannot be shared with potential creditors. A security freeze can help prevent identity theft. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer's credit history. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number probably would not be able to obtain credit in your name.
How do I place a security freeze?
To place a freeze, you must write to each of the three credit bureaus. Credit bureaus charge a $10 fee to place or remove a security freeze, unless you provide proof that you are a victim of identity theft or are at least 65 years old, in which case there is no fee. A copy of your police report, investigative report or a complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft must be provided to show that you are a victim of identity theft.
Write to all three addresses below and include the information that follows:
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Equifax Security Freeze P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348 |
Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 |
Trans Union Security Freeze P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834-6790 |
For each, you must:
- Send a letter by certified mail;
- If you are a victim of identity theft, you must include a copy of either an investigative report or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft;
- Provide your full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.,) address, Social Security number, and date of birth;
- If you have moved in the past 5 years, supply the addresses where you have lived over the prior 5 years.
- Provide proof of current address such as a current utility bill or phone bill
- Send a photocopy of a government issued identification card (state driver's license or ID card, military identification, etc.)
- If applicable, include payment by check, money order or credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover cards only.)
How long does it take for a security freeze to be in effect?
After five (5) business days from receiving your letter, the credit reporting agencies listed above will place a freeze providing credit reports to potential creditors.
10 business days from receiving your letter to place a freeze on your account, the credit reporting agencies will send you a confirmation letter containing a unique PIN (personal identification number) or password. Keep this PIN or password in a safe place.
Does freezing my file mean that I won't receive pre-approved credit offers?
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.
Can I open new credit accounts if my files are frozen?
Yes. You can have a security freeze lifted for a temporary period of time. This is done at no charge for victims and seniors who are at least 65 years old. For non-victims, however, there is a $10 charge for either temporarily lifting the security freeze. The steps to do so are as follows:
- Contact the credit reporting agencies above.
- You must provide proper identification;
- You must provide your unique PIN or password;
- And, you must include during what time period your credit report will be accessible.
How long does it take for a security freeze to be lifted?
Credit bureaus must lift a freeze no later than three (3) business days from receiving your request.
What will a creditor who requests my file see if it is frozen?
A creditor will see a message or a code indicating the file is frozen. They will not even be able to get your credit score.
Can I order my own credit report if my file is frozen?
Yes.
Do I have to freeze my file with all three credit bureaus?
Yes. Different credit issuers may use different credit bureaus. If you want to stop your credit file from being viewed, you must freeze it with Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.
Will a freeze lower my credit score?
No.
Can an employer do a background check on my credit file?
No. You would have to lift the freeze to allow a background check, just as you would to apply for credit. The process for lifting the freeze is described above.
