How to Block Credit Information

You have the right to restrict third parties from gaining access to your consumer report. The law permits you to block all or a list of specifically named third parties from viewing your credit report at any time and for any period of time. Placing a block on your credit report also can be reversed at any time. Before blocking credit information, consider the timing and understand that a block -- or security freeze as it is also known -- can seriously delay credit and loan applications.

Instructions

1

Contact each of the three consumer reporting agencies and request a block to prevent the dissemination of your credit information to creditors, companies, employers and other requestors without your consent.

Equifax

P.O. Box 740241

Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

800-685-1111

Equifax.com

Experian

P.O. Box 9595

Allen, TX 75013-9595

888-397-3742

Experian.com

TransUnion

P.O. Box 1000

Chester, PA 19022

800-888-4213

TransUnion.com

2

Verify your identity. Provide your legal name, personal identification number or password, Social Security number and date of birth.

3

Authorize a security block and set a date on which the block will go into effect. Give verbal authorization (or written, if making your request by mail) for the consumer reporting bureau to block your credit information until a specified (or indefinite) date.

4

Grant a specific person or company access to your credit information. You can also temporarily lift the block during a specific period of time, which is a viable option well after your security freeze is in place.

5

Lift the freeze at least one week before applying for credit or beginning any activity that requires a third party to request your credit report, such as applying for a new job or line of credit.