Check your individual state’s fees below to see if you are a member of a qualifying group, and make sure you indicate to the credit bureau that you are a protected consumer under applicable state law when you make your security freeze request.I'm not usually one to chase checking and savings account SUBs, but the $600 Chase new account offer (through DoC) was just too good to pass up. If you are a member of a “Protected Consumer” group within your state, you may qualify for a reduced fee. The fee amount allowed by law varies in each state. Copy of Birth Certificate (for minors) (not required in IL)Įach state has passed security freeze legislation setting the amount which a credit bureau is allowed to charge consumers for placing, temporarily lifting, or removing a credit freeze.A copy of a bill that shows a name and home address (required in DE, LA, MD, and VA). Proof of name and address (Driver’s License / ID Card) (Not required in GA).Proof of social security number (not required in IL).One of the following identification documents for both the named individual and the parent/representative.Written, Notarized and Signed Description of Authority (not applicable in VA residents).Power of Attorney (not applicable in NY, TX or UT).Documents indicating that the requestor has Proof of Authority of the named individual, such as:.If placing a security freeze on the behalf of a minor, or an incapacitated consumer, the parent or guardian must provide additional documentation as follows: Look up your state below to see if these additional protections apply. State Security Freeze Laws “Protected Consumer” Groupsģ1 states have additional “Protected Consumer” groups, who can obtain a security freeze at reduced cost, or completely free. However, we strongly recommend that you also check with the three major credit reporting agencies ( TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) to ensure you are submitting the proper documents when placing and using the security freeze. PLEASE NOTE: Consumers Union has provided the above information as general guidelines on how to place the security freeze in your state. Online: On each credit bureau’s website ( TransUnion, Equifax and Experian), you can find an online form to place your security freeze security freeze.Note: Credit bureau addresses may be subject to change check the credit bureau’s website for the latest address to ensure your request is received and processed quickly.Mail: Download and complete our Security Freeze Request by Mail Templates, and send one to each credit bureau at the address provided.Phone: Call each of the credit bureaus at the number provided below:.You can place a security freeze in any one of three ways: In order to effectively freeze access to your credit files, you must request a security freeze to be placed at each of the three major credit bureaus. To help you decide if getting a security freeze is right for you, click here. Such voluntary freezes available to all consumers, even if state law explicitly offers security freezes only to identity theft victims (e.g., Mississippi).įor more information, see: Frequently Asked Questions about the security freeze. Since November 1, 2007, the security freeze has been offered voluntarily by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to all U.S. When the consumer is applying for credit, he or she can lift the freeze temporarily using a PIN so legitimate applications for credit or services can be processed. When a security freeze is in place at all three major credit bureaus, an identity thief cannot open a new account because the potential creditor or seller of services will not be able to check the credit file. Many of these victims find that crooks have used stolen personal information like Social Security numbers to open new accounts in their victim’s name. A security freeze gives consumers the choice to “freeze” or lock access to their credit file against anyone trying to open up a new account or to get new credit in their name. The are more than 8 million new victims of identity theft each year in the U.S.
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