How to enact a credit freeze (if ever needed)

[Dr. Jack]

Here's how to put a credit freeze in place:

Make your request in writing and send the letter by certified mail.

Send it to each credit bureau individually. One bureau does not forward your request to any other bureau.

Provide copies of documents proving your identity, according to each credit bureau's requirements.

Fee is usually $10 to put a freeze in place.

Those age 65 and older and those who have been victims of identity theft will not be charged.

The credit bureau will confirm in a letter that the freeze is in place. It will also provide you with information on how to lift a freeze temporarily, using a personal identification number or a password. By next year, the bureaus must allow you to lift a freeze by telephone or through the Internet.

A credit freeze has no time limit. It's on your report until you decide to get rid of it.

Credit bureau: Equifax

Send letter via certified mail to: Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348

Letter should include: Name, middle initial, address, date of birth, Social Security number, proof of current address such as a current utility bill.

Pay $10 by personal check or major credit cards.

If paying by credit card, include account holder's name on card, card type, number, expiration date and card identification number. For AmEx, this is four digits, and for the other cards, three digits.

If you are a victim of identity theft, include a copy of police report, identity theft report or other law enforcement agency report.

Credit bureau: Experian

Send letter via certified mail to: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013

Letter should include: Full name with middle initial, address, date of birth, Social Security number, previous addresses for past two years, copy of driver's license or other ID, copy of recent utility bill, bank or insurance statement. Copies must display current address and date of issue.

Pay $10 by check, money order, major credit cards.

If paying by credit card, include account holder's name on card, card type, number and expiration date.

If you are a victim of identity theft, include a copy of police report, identity theft report or other law enforcement agency report.

Credit bureau: Trans Union

Send letter via certified mail to: Trans Union Security Freeze, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, Calif. 92834-6790.

Letter should include: Name, address, Social Security number.

Pay $10 by credit card only.

If paying by credit card, include account holder's name on card, card type, number and expiration date.

If you are a victim of identity theft, include a copy of police report, identity theft report or other law enforcement agency report.

[rjb1816]

they should put these on the commercial of those people with the different voices that buy things with your money

[jaypasco]

good info