A security freeze is one step you can take to help prevent access to your Equifax credit report to open credit accounts, with certain exceptions. Freezes are federally regulated. To freeze your other credit reports, you will need to contact Experian and TransUnion directly. Show
Before applying for credit, you will need to lift your security freeze so that potential creditors can access your Equifax credit report. At Equifax, you can manage your freeze online with your username and password after creating a myEquifax account. You can also manage your freeze by phone: call us at (888) 298-0045. You'll be required to give certain information to verify your identity. You'll also have the option to receive a one-time PIN by text message or answer questions based on information in your Equifax credit report for identity verification. Placing, lifting and removing a security freeze is free. Credit freezes and fraud alerts can protect you from identity theft or prevent further misuse of your personal information if it was stolen. Learn what they do and how to place them.
Credit FreezesWho can place one: Anyone can freeze their credit report, even if their identity has not been stolen. What it does: A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, which means you — or others — won’t be able to open a new credit account while the freeze is in place. You can temporarily lift the credit freeze if you need to apply for new credit. When the freeze is in place, you will still be able to do things like apply for a job, rent an apartment, or buy insurance without lifting or removing it. Duration: A credit freeze lasts until you remove it. Cost: Free How to place: Contact each of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Fraud AlertsFraud alerts are available in different situations and have different benefits. Fraud alertWho can place one: Anyone who suspects fraud can place a fraud alert on their credit report. What it does: A fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. A business must verify your identity before it issues new credit in your name. When you place a fraud alert on your credit report, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus. Duration: A fraud alert lasts one year. After a year, you can renew it. Cost: Free How to place: Contact any one of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You don’t have to contact all three. The credit bureau you contact must tell the other two to place a fraud alert on your credit report. Extended fraud alertWho can place one: An extended fraud alert is only available to people who have had their identity stolen and completed an FTC identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov or filed a police report. What it does: Like a fraud alert, an extended fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. A business must contact you before it issues new credit in your name. When you place an extended fraud alert on your credit report, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus twice within one year from when you place the alert, which means you could review your credit report six times in a year. In addition, the credit bureaus will take you off their marketing lists for unsolicited credit and insurance offers for five years, unless you ask them not to. Duration: An extended fraud alert lasts seven years. Cost: Free How to place: Contact any one of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You don’t have to contact all three. The credit bureau you contact must tell the other two to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report. Active duty alertWho can place one: Active duty service members can place an active duty fraud alert. What it does: An active duty fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. A business must verify your identity before it issues new credit in your name. In addition, the credit bureaus will take you off their marketing lists for unsolicited credit and insurance offers for two years, unless you ask them not to. Duration: An active duty fraud alert lasts one year. After a year, you can renew it for the length of your deployment. Cost: Free How to place: Contact any one of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You don’t have to contact all three. The credit bureau you contact must tell the other two to place an active duty fraud alert on your credit report.
Which Fraud Alert Is Right for You?Fraud Alert Extended Fraud Alert Active Duty Alert Place when you’re concerned about identity theft. It makes it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. It’s free and lasts 1 year. Place when you’ve had your identity stolen and completed an FTC identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov or filed a police report. It makes it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name and removes you from unsolicited credit and insurance offers for 5 years. It’s free and lasts 7 years. Place when you’re on active military duty. It makes it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name and removes you from unsolicited credit and insurance offers for 2 years. It’s free and lasts 1 year. How do I put a freeze on all 3 credit bureaus?If you want to freeze your credit, you need to do it at each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax (1-800-349-9960), TransUnion (1-888-909-8872) and Experian (1-888-397-3742). If you request a freeze, be sure to store the passwords you'll need to thaw your credit in a safe place.
Do I need to freeze my credit with all 3 credit bureaus?Understand the Credit Freeze Process
You'll need to file a credit freeze request with all three major credit bureaus for it to be effective. During the process, you'll need to answer a handful of questions to verify your identity.
What is the downside of freezing your credit?A freeze can give you a false sense of security — you may still be susceptible to credit fraud or other fraud involving your Social Security number. A credit freeze won't affect your current accounts, but if a thief steals the information on an existing account, your credit may be used without your permission.
Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
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How to freeze credit with all three bureaus
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