1. What is a credit report security freeze?
A credit report security freeze generally allows a consumer to block access to his or her credit report by third parties (such as credit lenders or other companies) who are not exempted under law.
2. Who is eligible for a credit report freeze?
Under the Virginia “Security Freeze” law, which went into effect July 1, 2008, all Virginians have a right to obtain a freeze on their credit report from the individual credit reporting agencies. The “security freeze” law is codified as Virginia Code §§ 59.1-444.1 and 59.1-444.2 and can be found at http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+TOC59010000035000010000000
3. Why might I decide to place a freeze on my credit report?
Unlike many identity theft protection methods which are only effective after identity theft has occurred, credit report freezes can help protect consumers from identity theft before it happens.
Credit report freezes are designed to prevent thieves from opening new accounts in the consumer’s name. Businesses generally do not extend credit to an individual without first checking his or her credit report. Since a freeze blocks third parties from accessing a consumer’s credit report, it makes it very difficult for a potential identity thief to fraudulently open a new account in your name.
4. What are the downsides or limits of placing a freeze on my credit report?
Freezes may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of new loans, credit, mortgages, government services or payments, insurance, rental housing, employment, investments, licenses, cellular phone service, utility service, digital signature, Internet credit card transactions, and extension of in-store credit.
Since there may be a delay between the receipt of your request and the actual lift or removal, it is important to plan ahead to ensure that your credit report is accessible for purchases and other significant transactions.
In addition, a freeze will not prevent a thief from fraudulently using your existing credit card or bank accounts. Therefore, you should continue to regularly check your monthly bank account and credit card statements for signs of any suspicious activity.
5. If I decide to do so, how do I place a freeze on my credit report?
You may place a freeze on your credit report by sending a written request via certified mail or by using another method authorized by the credit reporting agency. The “Security Freeze” law does not specify what information the credit reporting agencies may require to place a freeze on your credit reports. Thus, each credit reporting agency has its own procedures in place. You are encouraged to check the individual agency’s website for specific instructions on how to obtain a freeze.
6. Do I have to contact all 3 major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) or just one?
You must contact each credit reporting agency with which you wish to place a freeze.
7. How do I temporarily lift the freeze once it is placed on my credit report?
A temporary lift allows the credit reporting agency to release your credit report to a specified party (specific third party lift) or to all third parties with a permissible purpose for a specified period of time (global lift).
To obtain a temporary lift, you must contact the credit reporting agency with which you placed the freeze and provide proper identification and the unique personal identification number (PIN) or password assigned to you. You also must indicate the amount of time that you would like the freeze to be lifted or the specific party that can access the report. Until September 1, 2008, it may take up to 3 days to lift the freeze. After September 1, 2008, credit reporting agencies generally will be required to be able to lift a freeze within 15 minutes of their receipt of an electronic request.
You are encouraged to check the credit reporting agencies’ websites for specific instructions.
8. How do I permanently remove the freeze once it is placed on my credit report?
You must contact each credit reporting agency with which you placed the freeze by written request or other authorized method. You will need your PIN or password when placing the request. It may take up to 3 days to remove the freeze.
Each credit reporting agency has its own procedures for removal of a freeze so you are encouraged to check each agency’s website for more specific instructions.9. How much does it cost to place, lift, or remove a freeze on my credit report?
If you are a victim of identity theft, the freeze may be placed, lifted, or removed for free.
If you are not a victim of identity theft, credit reporting agencies are permitted by statute to charge you a fee of up to $10 to place the security freeze. The “Security Freeze” law does not authorize credit reporting agencies to charge fees for temporary lifts or removals of security freezes.
10. Can I still access my credit report even though there is a freeze?
You may still get your free annual credit report or purchase a copy of your report or score. Placing the freeze does not affect your ability to obtain the report and it does not affect your credit score. Obtaining the free annual report is one way to find out if you have become the victim of identity theft. You can obtain your free annual report by going to: https://www.annualcreditreport.com.
11. Will my credit report ever be provided to another party even though I have a credit freeze?
Yes, there are certain exceptions provided under law. These include:
12. If I have been the victim of identity theft, what other steps can I take to protect myself?
Contact Information for Victims of Identity Theft |
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Federal Trade Commission 877/ID-THEFT |
Equifax Fraud Division 800-525-6285 |
Experian Fraud Division 888-397-3742 |
TransUnion Fraud Division 800-680-7289 |
13. What are the downsides or limits of placing a fraud alert on my credit report?
Fraud alerts should only be placed after you have been, or suspect that you have been, the victim of identity theft. In addition, a fraud alert on your credit report will not prevent a thief from using your existing account information.
Fraud alerts also may not stop a thief from opening new accounts in your name. Some accounts – like telephone, wireless, or bank accounts – may not require a credit check. Even when credit checks are required, creditors only have to take reasonable steps to verify your identity, and therefore, may not decide to access your credit report before issuing credit.
If you have placed a fraud alert on your credit report, you should keep in mind that your legitimate requests for credit also may be delayed since creditors may need to complete additional procedures for security purposes before issuing credit.
14. What other options do I have to protect myself from identity theft if I do not suspect that I already have become a victim and decide not to place a security freeze on my credit report?