An effective but little known tool for identity theft prevention is called a credit freeze. Learn how you can freeze and unfreeze your credit at the three major credit bureaus through the use of a credit freeze (a.k.a., a security freeze).
A credit freeze is a more effective method of identity theft prevention than a fraud alert. Both methods are aimed at stopping identity thieves from obtaining new credit lines in your name.
Visit http://www.InsideIDTheft.info, for more information about a security credit freeze and identity theft prevention.
Identity theft affects fifteen million victims a year resulting in fifty billion dollars in fraud. As these numbers show the impact of identity theft is staggering.
What can you do to protect yourself? Hi, Im Bob Sullivan from MSNBC. The safest and frankly the only effective way to stop many types of identity theft is to place a security freeze on all three of your credit files.
A freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit report. Without that credit history a company wont approve a loan or issue a credit card. So identity thieves can not get credit in your name.
Let me take you inside id theft for the info you need to get a security freeze.
Credit freezes arent free. Prices vary from state to state. If youre a victim of identity theft credit bureaus may waive the fee. You will have to contact all three credit bureaus; Experian, Equifax and TransUnion and provide them with your personal information. The process will be slightly different at each bureau.
At Experian you will first get this warning that a security freeze may make your life very difficult, but dont worry because it is not permanent. You can lift the credit freeze if in when you want to apply for credit. Now, pick your state. Then you will be asked for your name, social security number, date of birth, current and past addresses dating back two years, a copy of your drivers license and one utility bill. Notice you will pick a pin unlock code, write that down and put it in a safe spot. You will need it later to have the credit freeze lifted. Send the paper work by certified or overnight mail to Experian PO Box 9544 Allen, TX 75013 and in a few weeks you will get a notice from Experian that your credit file is frozen.
You will need to contact the other two credit bureaus too to be sure your credit is safe.
Again, it is important to note that to obtain the highest identity theft prevention level you must put a security freeze in place at all three credit bureaus.
To get a credit freeze from Equifax, send a certified letter with the requested information, a utility bill for proof of address, a police report if you are a identity theft victim and payment. Fees are different depending on where you live so you should check for your state online.
TransUnion wants similar information; a copy of your drivers license and payment. Send your credit freeze request to TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Department PO Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834. In a few states residents can apply by phone.
Security freezes offer real piece of mind to people who are worried about identity theft. Remember a credit freeze may delay any new loans, credit applications or other purchases you legitimately want to make so you will have to plan ahead for thawing that credit freeze.
There is no full proof method of identity theft prevention but a credit freeze is currently the best option available.
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