How to Lock a Credit History

Consumers who have been victims of identity theft often request a security freeze or lock on their credit file. A credit report lock prevents anyone from viewing your credit history. This includes any potential lenders as well as yourself. When you request a credit-reporting agency to freeze your credit file, the only way your credit report can be viewed is if you contact the credit-reporting agency, in writing, and authorize the lender to have a copy of your credit file.

Instructions

1




Call the credit reporting agency

Call the credit agency with which you will place the credit file lock. Advise the telephone agent you are calling to lock your credit file. Give the reasons for the credit lock.

2




Answer all questions the agent asks you

Confirm your identity with the telephone agent. You will be asked multiple questions to include your name, birth date, address, Social Security number. You may be requested to fax over additional proof such as a copy of your I.D. or a utility bill showing your name and address. Additionally, you may be asked questions regarding your credit accounts. These may be questions regarding when an account was opened or the monthly payment.

3




Write down all information on how to unlock the file in the future.

Write down the security pin the telephone agent provides you. This pin will be used anytime you wish to unlock your credit file. Ask the agent to give you all details on how to unlock your credit file in the future. Ask the agent if there will be a charge to unlock the credit file in the future. According to Transunion, Equifax and Experian, there may be charges between $3 to $10 for each lock and unlock and this fee will be determined by the reason for your credit freeze. Victims of identity theft are not usually charged but the phone agent will determine any fees on a case by case basis.