How do I add a credit freeze?

To place a freeze, you must write to each of the three credit bureaus. Write to all three addresses below and include the information that follows:

Equifax Security Freeze P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348

Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013

Trans Union Security Freeze P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

For each, you must:

• Send a letter by mail (by 2009 this may change to include online placements)
• Provide your full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.,) address, Social Security number, and date of birth
• If you have moved in the past 5 years, supply the addresses where you have lived over the prior 5 years
• Provide proof of current address such as a current utility bill or phone bill
• Send a photocopy of a government issued identification card (state driver's license or ID card, military identification, etc.)
• Include payment by check, money order or credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover cards only.)

How much will it cost?

No fee for victims. For everyone else it is $20 to place, free to temporarily lift for a period of time or specific creditor and to remove.

Background on Credit Freeze

If you are a resident of Delaware, as of September 28, 2006 you can place a credit freeze on your credit report. A Credit Freeze will prevent access to your credit report, allowing you to control which companies may see your credit report. However, there are certain exemptions to the Credit Freeze allowed by state law that allows companies to view your report even though it is frozen.