Free Credit Freeze Request

The most recent weapon in the war to protect your credit is the Credit Freeze, also called a Security Freeze. A Credit Freeze completely shuts down access to your credit history. You are given a PIN to access your credit history. If you want to provide access - for a new loan or job application that requires a credit check, for example - you can "thaw" your credit history for a specified period of time.

The nature of the Credit Freeze means that it will make getting credit much more difficult - not only for any potential fraud, but for you as well. Fees can be involved both to establish the freeze and each time you need to "thaw" it. So, the Credit Freeze is not perfect for all consumers, but it promises to be the best method of preventing abuse of your good credit.

Placing a Credit Freeze requires a written request to each credit bureau, and each has slightly different requirements. Our simple interview process will automatically generate all three letters for you.

Note: The Credit Freeze is now available to all consumers in all states. In most states victims of Identity Theft can utilize this defense at no cost.

If applicable, the credit bureau may require that you include certain documentation verifying your identity, your residence, or proof of identity theft. The interview process will help you understand what documents are needed.

Photocopies, not the original copies, of any relevant documents should be included with each letter. You should keep a copy of all written communications with each credit bureau and maintain a written summary of any oral communications.

The states where Credit Freeze is available have varying fees for establishing and managing your status. Generally, victims of identity theft do not pay for the service. The cost for those who are not victims ranges from $3 to $20 per credit bureau. The interview process will determine the fee you will need to pay for each request to each credit bureau. Here is a summary of some special fee provisions.

First Credit Freeze is Free
No fee is required if you are making your first request in Colorado, New York, or New Jersey

Credit Freeze is Free or Reduced for Seniors
If you are 62 or over in Louisiana or 65 or over in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Georgia, Florida, or Oklahoma, you don't have to pay a fee to place your Credit Freeze. If you are 65 or over in California, you pay $5 per credit bureau rather than $10.

Credit Freeze is Free for Minors
In Nebraska, anyone under age 18 pays no fee to place a Credit Freeze. Yes, even if you've never had a credit card or taken out a loan, you can be the victim of Identity Theft.

Credit Freeze is Free for Victim's Spouses
In Massachusetts, you pay no fee if your spouse is a victim of Identity Theft.

Credit Freeze is Free for Everyone
If you live in South Carolina or Indiana, you don't have to pay any fee to place the Credit Freeze, whether or not you have been a victim.

1. Each letter should be signed, but it is not necessary that the signature be witnessed or notarized.

2. An original copy of each letter should be sent by certified mail to each credit bureau.

3. If proof of identity, residence, or identity theft is required, photocopies, rather than original copies, should be included with the letter.

4. Although the interview outlines any fee and evidence requirements, you might want to research or contact each credit bureau in order to determine if any fees or other requirements have changed.

5. After a reasonable amount of time has passed, follow up to make sure that any requested action was actually taken.

Several states make the Credit Freeze free for victims. How do you know you're a victim? Although news of data security breaches occurs almost daily, having had your information compromised does not necessarily make you a "victim" of Identity Theft. To prove you are a true victim of Identity Theft, you will have to provide a copy of your police report or other complaint made to a law enforcement agency.