What is a Security Freeze

A 'security freeze' is a new consumer right provided by North Carolina law, enacted as part of the Identity Theft Protection Act of 2005 pushed by Attorney General Roy Cooper. Placing a security freeze on your credit reports can block an identity thief from opening a new account or obtaining credit in your name. A security freeze, also known as a credit or a file freeze, keeps new creditors from accessing your credit report without your express authorization. If you activate a security freeze, an identity thief cannot take out new credit in your name, even if the thief has your Social Security number or other personal information, because creditors cannot access your credit report.

How to Place a Security Freeze

Any consumer can request a security freeze. They’re free to identity theft victims who have filed a police report. Other consumers will pay $10 to each of the three credit bureaus for a total cost of $30 per person to freeze a credit report for an unlimited time. To place a freeze, send a letter by certified mail to each of the three credit bureaus that includes the following information along with payment:

• Full name including middle initial and any suffix (such as Jr.)
• Home addresses for the last five years
• Social Security Number and date of birth
• Two proofs of residence (examples: copy of driver’s license, utility bill, insurance statement, bank statement)
• Police or DMV report if you’re a victim of identity theft
• $10 payment by check, money order, or credit card* (Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover accepted. Must include card name, account number and expiration date)
  • *TransUnion accepts payment by credit card only.

 

Equifax Security Freeze: P.O. Box 105788; Atlanta, GA 30348

ExperianSecurity Freeze: P. O. Box 9554; Allen, TX 75013

Trans Union Security Freeze: P. O. Box 6790; Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

A sample letter is available at http://www.ncdoj.com/idtheft that you can copy and send to all three credit bureaus

How to Lift or Remove a Security Freeze

Within ten days of a credit bureau placing a security freeze on your credit, the bureau will send you a unique PIN number and instructions on how to lift the freeze temporarily or to remove it permanently. If you want to take out a loan, get a new credit card or apply for a job or certain services, you can lift the security freeze for a certain period of time by notifying the credit bureau according to its procedures. The credit bureau should “thaw” your freeze within three business days of receiving the request. The credit bureaus can charge you a fee up to $10 for temporarily lifting or permanently removing the freeze, unless you are a victim of identity theft and have provided a valid police report or complaint.

More Information about a Security Freeze