How to Freeze a Credit File

If you have been a victim of identity theft or fear you may become one, you may wish to freeze your credit file. When you freeze your credit file with one of the three credit-reporting agencies, your file is available to others only with prior, written permission. You can request a temporary lift of the credit freeze if you are going shopping and wish to allow lenders to access your credit file. After this temporary lift, your file will again be frozen. Requesting a credit freeze will require you to contact a credit-reporting agency.

Instructions

1

Call the credit-reporting agency from which you want to request a credit file freeze (see the Resource section for a list of numbers). Ask to be transferred to the department that handles credit file freezes.

2

Give the agent the reason you are requesting the credit file freeze. The agent needs to verify your identity by asking for your name, Social Security number, address and date of birth. She may also ask for information about some of your credit file accounts. You may also be asked to fax proof of your identity, such as a utility bill showing your name and address or a copy of your driver's license.

3

Make note of the information provided to you by the agent, including a password code required anytime you wish to access your credit file or thaw the credit file. Save this important information in a safe place. If you have been a victim of identity theft, you should not be charged for the credit file freeze. As of June 2010, you may be charged $3 to $10 depending on the credit-reporting agency if you are not a victim of identity theft.

4

Ask the agent for details on how to thaw your credit file. Ask about the specific process, including how many days' notice are needed to unfreeze your file and where requests need to be mailed.