Credit Bureau Freeze and Unfreeze

 

Did You Know:
You can freeze your credit so that no one can open up a credit card in your name?
Freezing your credit allows you to seal your credit reports.  The added layer of security means that thieves can’t establish new credit in your name even if they are able to obtain your personal information.
Freezing your credit does not affect your existing lines of credit or current credit cards.  You can continue to use them as you regularly would even when your credit is frozen.  If you need to refinance, open a new line of credit, or open a new card you would have to re-open your credit.
Residents of various states may also freeze the credit reports of their minor children. Visit the National Conference of State Legislatures to see what the law is in your state.
The cost ranges from $3 to $10 per person per bureau to freeze a credit report; a couple of states have higher fees.
In most states, your credit freeze remains permanently on your files until you request removal. But some states may remove your credit freeze automatically after seven years. So you will want to watch for this according to the Consumers Union’s guide to security freeze protection.
Attached you’ll find directions and links to assist you in obtaining your credit freeze or re-opening from each major bureau.
This information provided is from sources deemed to be reliable and is provided solely for informational purposes. 
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker-dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances. CRN-1893016-091117

Credit Bureau – Information on Obtaining a Credit Freeze & Unfreeze

EQUIFAX CREDIT FREEZE – [Equifax Website]

  • Credit freezes may be done online or by certified mail – return receipt requested.
  • Request your credit freeze by certified mail using this sample letter. Please note the attachments you must include.
  • If your PIN is late arriving, call 1-888-298-0045. They will ask you for some ID and arrange for your PIN to be sent to you in 4-7 days.
  • Unfreeze: Do a temporary thaw of your Equifax credit freeze by snail mailonline or by calling 1-800-685-1111 (N.Y. residents dial 1-800-349-9960).
  • Info on freezing a child’s credit with Equifax can be found here.
  • If requesting a freeze by mail, use the following address:
    • Equifax Security Freeze
      P.O. Box 105788
      Atlanta, GA. 30348

EXPERIAN CREDIT FREEZE – [Experian Website]

  • Credit freezes may be done online; by certified mail – return receipt requested; or by calling 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742). When calling, press 2 then follow prompts for security freeze.
  • Request your credit freeze by certified mail using this sample letter. Please note the attachments you must include.
  • You can also freeze a child’s credit report. The information contained at this link is applicable for all three credit bureaus. You must first write a letter to each bureau to learn if your minor child has a credit report and if so, then you can proceed to freeze it.
  • Unfreeze: Do a temporary thaw of your Experian credit freeze online or by calling 1-888-397-3742.
  • Info on freezing a child’s credit with Experian can be found here.
  • If requesting a freeze by mail, use the following address:
    • Experian
      P.O. Box 9554
      Allen, TX. 75013

TRANSUNION CREDIT FREEZE – [TransUnion website]

  • Credit freezes may be done online, by phone (1-888-909-8872) or by certified mail – return receipt requested. (Some users have reported difficulty with the online method. Please try one of the other options if you too experience difficulty.)
  • Request your credit freeze by certified mail using this sample letter. Please note the attachments you must include.
  • Unfreeze: Do a temporary thaw of your TransUnion credit freeze online or by calling 1-888-909-8872.
  • Info on freezing a child’s credit with TransUnion can be found here.
  • If requesting a freeze by mail, use the following address:
    • TransUnion Protected Consumer Freeze
      P.O. Box 380
      Woodlyn, PA. 19094