How to “Freeze” Your Credit Report

A “security freeze” or “credit freeze” completely blocks the information on your credit report from would-be creditors. A credit freeze can help prevent identity theft. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer's credit history. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number might not be able to get credit in your name. Maryland law prohibits credit reporting agencies from charging more than $5 per credit freeze. Anyone who is a victim of identity theft will be able to freeze their credit reports for free.

To place a security freeze, send a request to each of the three credit reporting agencies. You will need to include your personal information.  If you are a victim of identity theft, include a copy of your police report as proof.

Equifax Security Freeze (Sample)
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
1-800-685-1111

• Full name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
• A copy of your police report, or other investigative report filed with law enforcement, if you are an ID theft victim to be eligible for a free freeze.
• If you have moved in the past two years or had a name change, you should provide that prior address or name so you can be properly identified.

Experian Security Freeze (Sample)
P. O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742

• Full name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
• A copy of your police report, or other investigative report filed with law enforcement, if you are an ID theft victim to be eligible for a free freeze.
• If you have moved or had a name change in the past five years, prior addresses and proof of prior names are also required.
• a copy of a government issued ID card
• a copy of a bank statement or utility bill containing your current address

Trans Union Security Freeze (Sample)
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
1-888-909-8872

• Full name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
• A copy of your police report, or other investigative report filed with law enforcement, if you are an ID theft victim to be eligible for a free freeze.
• If you have moved in the past five years, supply addresses for past five years.
• A copy of a government issued ID card

You can also find more information about each credit reporting agency's freeze program at their websites:
https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/
www.experian.com/freeze
https://annualcreditreport.transunion.com/fa/securityFreeze/landing

While a credit freeze can provide important protection against identity theft, a credit freeze may not be for everyone. If you plan to open credit in the near future, or apply for an apartment or a job that will require your credit report to be checked, you will need to pay $5 each time you want to temporarily lift the freeze.