It's good for five years or you can make it permanent. Or you can do this online at This will stop most of the offers, the ones that go through the credit bureaus. You can stop the pre-approved credit offers by calling 888-5OPTOUT (88). You would have to lift the freeze to allow a background check just as you would to apply for credit. 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. If you want to stop your credit file from being viewed, you need to freeze it with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Different credit issuers may use different credit bureaus. Government agencies may also have access in response to a court or administrative order, a subpoena, or a search warrant. Government agencies may have access for collecting child support payments or taxes or for investigating Medicaid fraud. See below for how to opt out of pre-approved credit offers. Other creditors may also use your information to make offers of credit-unless you opt out of receiving such offers. They can use it to review or collect on your account. Your report can still be released to your existing creditors or to collection agencies acting on their behalf. When you have a security freeze on your credit file, certain entities still have access to it. A creditor who requests your file from one of the three credit bureaus will only get a message or a code indicating that the file is frozen. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer's credit history.Ĭredit bureaus must place the freeze no later than five business days after receiving your written request.Ĭredit bureaus must lift a freeze no later than three business days after receiving your request.Ī creditor will see a message or a code indicating that the file is frozen. "A security freeze means that your credit file cannot be seen by potential creditors or employers doing background checks – unless you give your consent. It should not stop you from using your existing credit cards or other accounts. A fraud alert can also slow down your ability to get new credit. A fraud alert can help protect you against identity theft. It tells the credit issuer that there may be fraud involved in the account. The fee for lifting the freeze temporarily is $10.Ī fraud alert is a special message on the report that a credit issuer receives when checking a consumer's credit rating. The credit bureaus must lift your freeze within three days. You can lift the freeze by phone, using your PIN. You will also get instructions on how to lift the freeze. After you send your letter asking for the freeze, each of the credit bureaus will send you a Personal Identification Number (PIN) within 10 business days of receiving the request. Or you can lift it for a specific creditor. If you want to open a new credit account or get a new loan, you can lift the freeze on your credit file.
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