Freezing Your Credit Report with TransUnion
TransUnion is one of the three major credit bureaus in the United States, along with Equifax and Experian. These companies collect consumer credit information and then sell it to other businesses. Freezing your credit report with TransUnion lets the credit bureau know that it should not provide your credit information to other companies. This freeze prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts using your information.
Online
The fastest way to freeze your credit report with TransUnion for free is online. You will start the process by providing your personal information to create an online TransUnion account. After you create your account, you will verify your identity and be given the option to freeze your credit report. Make sure to have your Social Security number handy, as TransUnion will require it.
By Phone
Alternatively, you can call TransUnion at (888)-909-8872 to freeze your credit report. You may choose this route if you do not want to provide your information online, or if you prefer not to create a TransUnion account.
By Mail
Compared to other credit bureaus, TransUnion’s online instructions for requesting a credit freeze by mail are straightforward. To freeze your credit report with TransUnion by mail, send your name, address, and Social Security number to TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094. If you are freezing your credit with all three credit bureaus, you can send copies of the same documents to all three.
Freezing a Minor’s Credit Report
You can freeze a minor’s credit report to prevent them from becoming victims of identity theft. You must submit a written request to place a “consumer freeze” on your child’s credit file. You will also need to send copies of certain documents along with your request.
Your credit freeze request must include proof that you have the authority to make the request. You can send one of the following documents:
- Court order
- Power of attorney
- Birth certificate or other proof of parentage
- Child care documents
You must also send proof of your own identity by sending one of the following documents:
- Your Social Security number
- Your birth certificate
- A copy of your driver’s license or other government-issued identification cards
Send your request and the required proof to TransUnion, P.O. Box 380, Woodlyn, PA, 19094.
Temporarily Lifting and Unfreezing Your Credit Report
Once you’ve set up an online account with TransUnion, you can log in to unfreeze your credit report, grant lenders access to your credit report, or re-freeze your credit report at no additional cost.
To request a temporary lift or permanently unfreeze your credit report, call TransUnion at (888)-909-8872 or write to TransUnion, P.O. Box 380, Woodlyn, PA, 19094. You may need to verify your identity and provide your PIN when making changes to your credit freeze over the phone or by mail.
TransUnion also offers a subscription service that locks and unlocks your credit report through a mobile app. The lock service prevents unauthorized credit checks but differs from a true credit freeze as it involves monthly fees and is not governed by federal law.
You May Want to Consider a Fraud Alert Instead
In addition to freezing credit, credit bureaus are also required to provide “fraud alerts” to consumers. Fraud alerts require potential lenders or creditors to verify your identity before accessing your credit history and opening a new account.
What
What Freezing Your Credit Report at TransUnion Can’t Do
Once you freeze your credit report at TransUnion, most companies cannot check your credit information through this bureau. However, companies you have accounts with may check your credit report, but only to review your current accounts, not to open new accounts. Collection agents representing lenders you have dealt with and government entities with appropriate court or administrative orders may also be able to access frozen accounts.
Finally, freezing your report will not prevent your information from being compiled for pre-approved credit or insurance offers.
Reporting Issues with Your Credit Freeze
TransUnion is legally obligated to freeze your credit report upon your request. You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau online or call 855-411-2372 if you believe TransUnion is not properly placing the credit freeze.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/freeze-your-credit-report-at-transunion-for-free-4767109
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