A credit freeze is the #1 way to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. There are different ways you can request a credit freeze. If you’d rather deal with paper documents, you can request a credit freeze by certified mail.
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion also allow credit freezes to be put in place via phone or online. But doing so by mail is a viable option for millions of Americans. To make things easier, I’ve provided a sample letter you can use with all three credit bureaus. Let’s walk through the steps:
How To Request a Credit Freeze by Certified Mail
The good thing about the process is that as of September 2018 credit freezes are now free. So, all you have to do is print out the form below and mail it to the credit bureaus.
To be safe, send your letters certified mail — return receipt requested. Keep a copy of your letter and attach the return receipt to it when it comes back to you in the mail. Then keep it in a safe place!
Credit Freeze Sample Letter:
I would like to place a security freeze on my credit report.
_______________ _______________ _________________ __________
First name Middle Last name Suffix (Jr.III)
Previous name or maiden name (if applicable):
_____________________________________________________________
Daytime phone number
________________________________
Evening phone number
________________________________
Current address: (include zip code)
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Former address (for those who have moved in last 5 years):
1)________________________________________________________________________________________
2)________________________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth_____________________________
SS#____________________________________
Drivers’ License State and Number_________________________________________
One piece of ID is included which verifies my address:
(copy of driver’s license, government issued ID, W2 or 1099 form, pay stub with SS#, water bill, electric bill)
MY SIGNATURE:
________________________________________Today’s date__________
Credit Bureau Mailing Addresses:
| Credit Bureau | Online | By Phone | By Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experian | Experian Credit Freeze page | 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742) | Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 |
| Equifax | Equifax Credit Freeze page | 888-298-0045 | Equifax Information Services, LLC P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348 |
| TransUnion | TransUnion Credit Freeze page | 888-909-8872 | TransUnion P.O. Box 160 Woodlyn, PA 19094 |
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