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| Personal Observation |
Identity Theft is a growing problem. If
you have been a victim, you are likely to be victimized again
... and again... and again; unless you do something about it.
Anyone may ask the
three major CRAs to place a fraud alert (Hawk Alert) on their
credit profile. However, that is just a short-term fix to
a long-term problem. Moreover, creditors are not required
to abide by this safeguard.
A credit freeze goes one step further. No
one can open any form of credit in your name. Your credit
profile is strictly off limits to potential thieves, lenders,
insurers, and employers without your permission (in the form of
a PIN). |
|
Is it just me? Or is it getting chilly in
here?
Consumers must contact each of the three major
credit reporting agencies (CRA) in order to "freeze" or lock down their
credit report. There is no cost, in most States, if you are a victim of
identity theft, provided that you produce a valid report from either the
police or another law enforcement agency. For example: California
residents who are not identity theft victims must pay $10 to freeze each
credit bureau, for a total of $30 to freeze their credit profiles at all
three credit bureaus. Although none of the credit bureaus charge to
permanently lift a credit freeze, there are generally fees charged for a
temporary lift -- even if you were a victim of identity theft.
STATE
|
EFFECTIVE DATE
|
WHO MAY FREEZE
|
COST OF FREEZE
|
COST TO LIFT FREEZE
|
|
California |
Jan.1, 2003 |
Any consumer |
No fee for identity theft victims;
$10 for others to freeze at each CRA ($30 total) |
$10 for a temporary date-range lift per CRA ($30
total); $12 ($36 total) to lift for one creditor per CRA. |
|
Texas |
Sept. 1, 2003 |
Identity theft victims only |
$8 to freeze; placement at one CRA must be
honored by all CRAs. |
No fees to remove |
|
Louisiana |
July 1, 2005 |
Any consumer |
No fee for identity theft victims or persons age
62 or older;
$10 for others to freeze credit at each CRA ($30 total) |
$8 for a temporary lift per CRA ($24 total) |
|
Vermont |
July 1, 2005 |
Identity theft victims only |
No fees |
No fees |
|
Washington |
July 24, 2005 |
Identity theft victims only, including those who
have received notice of a security breach of computerized personal
information |
No fees |
No fees |
|
Nevada |
Oct. 1, 2005 |
Any consumer |
No fees for identity theft victims;
$15 for others to freeze at each CRA ($45 total) |
$18 for a temporary lift per CRA ($54 total); $20
to lift for one creditor per CRA ($60 total) |
|
Connecticut |
Jan.1 2006 |
Any consumer |
$10 to freeze at each CRA ($30 total) |
$10 to lift temporarily or permanently per CRA
($30 total); $12 to lift for each new creditor, per CRA (total $36) |
|
Illinois |
Jan.1 2006 |
Identity theft victims only |
No fees |
No fees |
|
Maine |
Feb.1, 2006 |
Any consumer |
No fees for identity theft victims; up to $10 for
others to freeze at each CRA ($30 total) |
$10 to lift temporarily or permanently per CRA
($30 total); $12 to lift for each new creditor, per CRA ($36 total) |
|
Colorado |
July 1, 2006 |
Any consumer |
No fee for first freeze;
$10 to place a second freeze |
$10 per CRA to lift temporarily or permanently
($30 total); $12 to lift for each new creditor per CRA ($36 total) |
If you wish to place a Security
Freeze on your credit profile for purposes of protecting your identity from
theft, you may contact each of the major credit bureaus at the addresses
indicated below. Follow the instructs for each, as there are minor
variations to the requirements.
Equifax:
Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
- Send your request by certified mail only.
- Include your full name (including Jr., Sr. or other relevant
designation), your date of birth, your Social Security Number, your
current address, and former residential addresses for the past five
years.
- You may pay by check, money order, or major credit card. (Provide
the name of the card, your account number, and the expiration date)
- ID theft victims must also include: a valid copy of the relevant
police report, investigative report, or criminal complaint.
Experian:
Experian Security Freeze
P. O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
Send by certified mail only.
Include your full name (including Jr. , Sr. or other relevant
designation), your date of birth, your Social Security number, your
current address, and former residential addresses for the past five
years.
You will also need two proofs of residence (e.g., valid driver's
license, bank statement, utility bill, insurance statement, etc.)
You may pay by check, money order, or major credit card. (Provide
the name of the card, your account number, and the expiration date)
ID theft victims must also include: a valid copy of the relevant
police report, investigative report, or criminal complaint.
TransUnion:
Trans Union Security Freeze
P. O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
- Send by regular or certified mail.
- Include your full name (including middle initial, Jr. , Sr. or other
relevant designation), your date of birth, your Social Security number,
your current address, and former residential addresses for the past five
years.
- You may pay by check, money order, or major credit card. (Provide
the name of the card, your account number, and the expiration date)
- ID theft victims must also include: a valid copy of the relevant
police report, investigative report, or criminal complaint.
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