How to Prevent Access to a Credit Report

Identity theft has claimed many victims, so it would be prudent to take steps to prevent identity theft from happening to you. The easiest way to keep yourself from becoming the next victim of identity thief is to prevent access to your credit report, which is done through a credit report freeze. Nearly all lines of credit access your credit report before offering approval or denial on a new account. If you freeze your credit report, a potential identity thief will be unable to open new accounts in your name: When companies attempt to check your credit to approve or deny the account, they won't be able access it.

Instructions

1

Write a letter to each of the three credit agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) requesting a credit freeze. The letter should contain the following information:
1. A statement about why you're requesting the freeze (e.g., "I am requesting a credit freeze to protect myself against identity theft.")
2. Your name and date of birth
3. Your address
4. Any other addresses you've lived at over the last two years
5. Your Social Security number
6. Proof of address (a copy of a utility bill will work) and a copy of your driver's license, as required by Experian (TransUnion also requires a copy of your driver's license)

2

Determine if you're required to pay a fee for a credit freeze according to your state guidelines. Consumers Union's Guide to Security Freeze Protection provides an overview of each state's fees and guidelines. If you are required to pay a fee, include it with each letter. If you're not required to pay a fee because you're a victim of identity theft, you must provide a copy of the police report for each agency. Those who live in states that waive the fee for residents over age 65 must provide proof of age.

3

Send the letter and all required documentation by certified mail to the following addresses:

Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, Georgia 30348

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834

4

Each company will send you confirmation of the freeze along with a PIN or confirmation number. Keep this information---you'll need it in the event that you must temporarily lift the freeze.