Learn more about credit freeze and how to place it

Also known as a security freeze, a credit freeze allows you to restrict access to your credit report, which makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Most creditors will want to request your credit report before they approve a new account. If they can't review your report, they may not extend credit and then no account would be opened.

Keep in mind, however, that a credit freeze may prevent you from opening a new account, applying for a job, renting an apartment or buying insurance. If you need to do any of these, you can lift the freeze temporarily either for a specified time or to allow access to a specified party. You can have the freeze lifted for free and place it again for free when you are done allowing access to your credit.

While a credit freeze can help prevent identity thieves from opening accounts using your information, it will not prevent a thief from accessing existing accounts and will not prevent prescreened offers of credit.

All the national bureaus are required, by law, to offer you credit freezes for free. Remember, freezing your credit will not impact your credit score or prevent you from getting your free annual credit report and your existing creditors and certain governmental agencies will still have access to your credit report.

Contact each of the three nationwide credit bureaus. If you do not freeze at all three sources, your credit file will still be available for lenders to access.

• TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze
• Equifax: https://help.equifax.com/s/article/How-do-I-place-temporarily-lift-or-permanently-remove-a-security-freeze

Step 1:
Please create a written request and include the following: (sample below)

• Your full legal name
• Complete mailing addresses for the past two years
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number

Also, include the following copies of documents. Do not send the credit bureaus your originals.

• Copy of a government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license
• Copy of a utility bill or bank statement (with account numbers blocked out)

Step 2: 
Send the above documents and written request to the following address to freeze or unfreeze:

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 

Ensure that each copy is legible and displays your name, current mailing address, and issue date. 
Although both regular and certified mail are acceptable, we recommend using certified mail as the information in the mail is sensitive and personal. 

Sample Letter:

Date: __________________________________ 
Experian Security Freeze 
P.O. Box 9554 
Allen TX 75013  

Dear Experian,  

I would like to place a security freeze on my credit file / I would like to remove the security freeze on my credit file
My full name is: _____________________________________________________  

My former name was (if applies): ________________________________________  

My current address is: ________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________  

My address has changed in the past 2 years.  My former address(es) was/were: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 

My social security number is: ________‐_______‐__________    

My birthdate is: ______ / ______ / ______  

I have attached the following required identification:  

• Copy of my government-issued identification card (driver’s license/passport)
• Copy of my utility bill (with account numbers blocked out)
• Copy of my bank statement (with account numbers blocked out)

Sincerely, 
______________________________________ 
(Printed name)  
______________________________________ 
(Signature) 

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