Protecting Your Credit Report at Equifax from Identity Theft
Freezing Your Credit Report at Equifax
You have three options to freeze your credit report at Equifax.
Online: The fastest way to freeze your credit report is through the Equifax website. To complete the freeze, you will first need to create a myEquifax account. Creating an account requires providing your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and identity verification information.
By Phone: If you do not want to create an online account with Equifax, the next best option is to request the freeze by phone. The number to call is 888-298-0045. When requesting the freeze by phone, a one-time PIN will be sent to you via text message.
By Mail: The final option to freeze your credit report is to download the appropriate forms and send them by mail. Send the completed paperwork to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788. Send it via registered mail so that you have proof that your paperwork was sent, and you can track when it is received.
When freezing your credit, you will need to provide one document to verify your identity. Any of the following documents can be used:
- Valid driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Paycheck
- W-2 form
- 1099 form
- Court documents for legal name change
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Government-issued ID
- Military ID
You will also need to provide one item to verify your address:
- Valid driver’s license
- Utility bill with the correct address (gas, water, cable, or landline phone bill)
- Mobile phone bill
- Paycheck
- W-2 form
- 1099 form
- Lease agreement/rental contract
- Mortgage statement
- Bank statement
- Bank account statement
- Government-issued ID
Once Equifax receives the forms and identity verification documents by mail, it may take up to three business days for the freeze to become effective.
Freezing a Minor’s Credit Report at Equifax
Parents can also freeze the credit reports of children under the age of 16 to prevent their identity from being used fraudulently. You must complete a minor freeze request form and provide information about the person whose credit you wish to freeze. Additionally, you must show that you have the authority to request the freeze. Minors aged 16 to 17 can request a security freeze by phone or mail.
Note: If the minor does not have a credit file, Equifax will create a file to freeze.
Lifting and Unfreezing Your Credit Report
When you are ready to apply for a loan or credit card, you will need to temporarily lift the freeze so that the lender can access your credit report. Since you may not know in advance which credit report the company will check, it is best to lift the freeze on all three credit reports.
You can lift your freeze at Equifax online, by phone, or by mail. Lifting the freeze online or by phone is the fastest; Equifax must lift the freeze within an hour. Otherwise, if you requested the freeze by mail, it may take up to three business days to lift the freeze.
What About Fraud Alerts?
A fraud alert does not lock your credit report like a credit freeze. Instead, it requires a lender or creditor to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name. Fraud alerts expire after one year unless you are a victim of identity theft, in which case they last for seven years.
What
Do not freeze your credit report at Equifax
Be aware that freezing your credit report does not provide protection from all types of fraud. Thieves may be able to open accounts with companies that do not use a major credit bureau. They may also commit other types of fraud, such as credit card takeover or filing tax returns in your name.
Companies that you already have a relationship with will still be able to access your credit information. Freezing your credit report at Equifax will not affect your credit score. You will still be able to use your credit accounts and monitor your credit.
Report issues with your credit freeze
If you believe that Equifax is not properly placing your credit freeze, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau online or by calling 855-411-2372.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/freeze-your-credit-report-at-equifax-for-free-4767211
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