freeze temporarily, be prepared to provide the length of
time you would like to security freeze to be lifted.
What is the difference between a fraud
alert and a freeze?
A fraud alert is a special message on a credit file that
states the consumer is or may be a potential identity
theft victim. It requires businesses to take extra
reasonable steps to verify the identity of the applicant
before issuing the line of credit or service. A fraud alert
can also slow down your ability to get new credit. It
should not stop you from using your existing credit
cards or other accounts.
How long does it take for a security
freeze to be in effect?
Credit reporting agencies must place the freeze no later
than one day after receiving a request by phone or
online. Agencies have three days to place the freeze
after receiving a written request.
How long does it take for a security
freeze to be lifted?
Credit reporting agencies must lift a freeze no later than
one hour after receiving a request by phone or online.
Agencies have three days to lift the freeze after
receiving a written request.
Can I open new credit accounts if my
files are frozen?
Yes. If you want to open a new credit account or get a
new loan, you can lift the freeze on your credit file by
using the method given to you by the credit reporting
agency when you placed the security freeze. After you
request a freeze, each of the credit reporting agencies
will send instructions on how to lift the freeze. A lift
period can be specified for a certain amount of time.
You can lift the freeze by phone, online, or by mail using
the PIN.
What will a creditor who requests my
file see if it is frozen?
A creditor will see a message or a code indicating that
the file is frozen.
Can a creditor get my credit score if my
file is frozen?
No. A creditor who requests your file from one of the
credit reporting agencies will only get a message or a
code indicating that the file is frozen.
Can I order my own credit report if my
file is frozen?
Yes.
Can anyone see my credit file if it is
frozen?
When you have a security freeze on your credit file,
certain entities still have access to it. Your report can
still be released to your existing creditors or to
collection agencies acting on their behalf. They can use
it to review or collect on your account. Other creditors
may also use your information to make offers of credit-
unless you opt out of receiving such offers. Government
agencies may have access for collecting child support
payments or taxes or for investigating Medicare fraud.
Government agencies may also have access in response
to a court or administrative order, a subpoena, or a
search warrant.
Do I have to freeze my file with all three
credit reporting agencies?
Yes. Different credit issuers may use different credit
reporting agencies. If you want to stop your credit file
from being viewed, you need to freeze it with Equifax,
Experian, TransUnion, and ChexSystems.
Will a freeze lower my credit score?
No.
Can an employer or landlord do a
background check on me if I have a
freeze on my credit file?
Yes, the security freeze does not apply to anyone using
the information for employment, tenant, or background
screening purposes.
Does freezing my file mean that I will
not receive pre-approved credit offers?
No. You can stop pre-approved credit offers by calling
888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688). You can also do this
online at www.optoutprescreen.com. This will stop