Call 1-88 or visit to request a permanent opt-out. It is also a good idea to opt-out of pre-screened credit card offers - not only do they clutter your mailbox, they are gold to an identity thief. A security freeze, also known as a credit or a file freeze, can be lifted (or thawed). Afterward, your Equifax credit report will be frozen again. All consumers can get a free security freeze online, by phone or by mail. You can also lift a security freeze by phone by calling our automated line at (800) 349-9960 or calling Customer Care at (888) 298-0045. There are smaller information clearinghouse entities that you can ask to freeze your personal information, including Innovis and ChexSystems. At Equifax, you can use your myEquifax account to lift a security freeze for a date range you specify. Please note: If you temporarily lift a security freeze for a specific date range, locking your credit report. You want a deadbolt for your credit report, not a doorman hired to watch for fishy things! What Else Can I do? Its free to replace a security freeze with a lock. If you have this PIN, the process is usually. Don't be fooled by credit monitoring (Lifelock) or passive security "locks" that falsely claim to be better - demand a security "freeze" which is legally mandated. When you freeze your credit, you’ll receive a 10-digit PIN that you’ll need anytime you want to unfreeze your report. Security Freeze or Security Lock?Ĭredit bureaus are not happy about freezes as it prevents them from profiting on your information. Then take a look at the Security Freeze FAQ from the U.S. That's it! Read more about the huge benefits of security freezes and the new "Ice Age" at KrebsOnSecurity. On the infrequent occasion when you need to apply for credit (new card, new house, new vehicle), you will need to temporarily "thaw" your security freeze for a few days while the bank, escrow, or dealership runs a credit check. Despite warnings to the contrary, this is not something that only victims of identity theft should do - everyone should do this! This does not affect your use of credit cards that are already issued. The freeze does not disable your FICO score, which will continue to fluctuate as normal. This is much like a firewall for your credit file - without the PIN, not even you will be able to pull the report when the freeze is in place. Once the freeze is in place, nobody can pull your credit history without a special random 10-digit PIN sent to you in the postal mail.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |