How to Get a Credit Privacy Number for Free

You have the option of locking down your credit report so that no one can access it without your express permission. The only exception to the credit freeze are companies with whom you already have a business relationship. When you initiate a credit freeze, you receive a credit PIN number that you can use to unlock the report. When a business wants to request your credit report, you give them the PIN number so they can unlock the report. In most cases you have to pay for a security freeze, but if you can prove that you are the victim of identity theft the credit reporting agencies freeze your account for free.

Instructions

1

File a police report with your local police station if you are the victim of identity theft. Make a copy of this report.

2

Make copies of utility bills, bank statements or insurance bills that contain your name and current address. Copy a personal identification card, such as a government ID or driver's license.

3

Type a letter containing your name, address, any previous addresses from the past two years, Social Security number, contact information and police report number. Include a comment that you are requesting a security freeze on your credit report due to identity theft. Enclose your documentation and letter into an envelope together.

4

Mail the security freeze request to Experian at P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013; TransUnion at P.O. Box 390, Springfield, PA, 19064; and Equifax at P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA, 30374. A separate request must be sent to each credit reporting bureau. Once the bureaus receive your request, they will confirm the validity of the police report and security freeze request. Once your account is frozen, the companies send you a PIN number to unfreeze your credit report with, if needed.