How do I add a credit freeze?

To place a freeze, you must write to each of the three credit bureaus. Credit bureaus charge a $10 fee to place or remove a credit freeze, unless you provide proof that you are a victim of identity theft or are more than 65 years old, in which case there is no fee. A copy of your investigative report or complaint from a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft must be provided to show that you are a victim of identity theft.

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 certified mail
• If you are a victim of identity theft, you must include a copy of either an investigative report or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft
• 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.)
• If applicable, include payment by check, money order or credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover cards only.)

How much will it cost?

No fees for ID theft victims with investigative report and residence 65 years of age and older. For all others, up to $10 to place, temporarily lift or remove.

Background on Credit Freeze

If you are a resident of Rhode Island, you have the right as of January 1, 2007 to place a credit freeze on your credit report if you are a victim of identity theft who has filed a police, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft. 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.