How to "Freeze" Your Credit Files

If you live in New Jersey, you have the right to put a "security freeze" on your credit file. A security freeze means that your file cannot be shared with potential creditors.

Most businesses will not open credit accounts without checking a consumer's credit history first. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number would probably not be able to get credit in your name.

A security freeze can help prevent identity theft. If you believe that you are the victim of identity theft, please contact your local law enforcement agency and file a police report with them. (More information...)

To place a freeze, you must write to each of the three credit reporting agencies. You must provide identifying information. If you are an identity theft victim, provide a copy of your police report of identity theft. Placing a security freeze on your credit report is free.

Write to the addresses below:

Yes. If you want to open a new credit account or get a new loan, you can lift the freeze on your credit file. You can lift it for a period of time or you can lift it for a specific creditor. After you send your letter asking for the freeze, each of the credit reporting agencies will send you a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

You will also get instructions on how to lift the freeze. You can lift the freeze by overnight mail or secure electronic mail, using your PIN. The credit reporting agencies must lift your freeze within three business days. The fee for lifting the freeze temporarily is no more than $5 for a date-range lift and no more than $5 for a lift for a specific creditor.

A fraud alert is a special message on the report that a credit issuer receives when checking a consumer's credit rating. It tells the credit issuer that there may be fraud involved in the account. A fraud alert can help protect you against identity theft. 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.

A security freeze means that your credit file cannot be shared with potential creditors, insurance companies or employers doing background checks. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without checking a consumer's credit history first.

Credit reporting agencies must place the freeze no later than five business days after receiving your written request.

Credit reporting agencies must lift a freeze no later than three business days of receiving your request.

A creditor will see a message or a code indicating that the file is frozen.

No. A creditor who requests your file from one of the three credit reporting agencies will only get a message or a code indicating that the file is frozen.

Yes.

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. (How to opt out of pre-approved credit offers...)

Government agencies may have access for collecting child support payments or taxes or for investigating fraud. Government agencies may also have access in response to a court or administrative order, a subpoena, or a search warrant.

No, but different credit issuers may use different credit reporting agencies. Therefore, if you want to stop your credit file from being viewed, you need to freeze it with all three credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.

No.

No. You would have to lift the freeze to allow a background check or to apply for insurance, just as you would to apply for credit.

No. You can stop pre-approved credit offers by contacting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-888-5-OPT-OUT or online at www.optoutprescreen.com. This will stop most of the offers that go through the credit reporting agencies. It is good for five years or you can make it permanent.