Equifax will remove the consumer’s name from its pre-approved offer database and share the request with the other two nationwide consumer reporting agencies. Consumers should include their complete name, full address, Social Security number, and signature. Consumers may also send an opt-out request in writing to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Consumers that prefer not to receive such offers should visit or call toll free at 1-888-5-OPT OUT (or 1-88). To opt out of such pre-approved offers, visit Equifax maintains consumers’ credit reports and provides information to certain customers, including credit card companies and lenders, so that they may offer pre-approved offers to consumers as permitted by law. Companies that wish to make pre-approved offers of credit or insurance to you.Companies that authenticate a consumer’s identity for purposes other than granting credit, or for investigating or preventing actual or potential fraud and.Companies that have a current account or relationship with you, and collection agencies acting on behalf of those whom you owe.Companies using the information in connection with the underwriting of insurance, or for employment, tenant or background screening purposes.Federal, state, and local government agencies and courts in certain circumstances.Companies that provide you with a copy of your credit report or credit score, upon your request.Companies like Equifax Global Consumer Solutions, which provide you with access to your credit report or credit score, or monitor your credit report as part of a subscription or similar service.Entities that may still have access to your Equifax credit report include: Locking or freezing your Equifax credit report will not prevent access to your credit report at any other credit bureau. When it comes time to open a new line of credit-for instance, if you apply for a new credit card-you’ll need to lift the freeze to give the creditor access to your file.Locking or freezing your Equifax credit report will prevent access to it by certain third parties. You’ll need to lift a freeze to give a creditor access to your credit file.For example, you’ll have to contact all three credit bureaus. It requires some effort to place, lift, or remove a credit freeze. If you forget or lose your PIN, you’ll have to take extra steps to get a new one. If you want to lift or freeze your credit reports, you are required to provide your PIN. That means fraudsters could make charges on a payment card in your wallet. It doesn't prevent thieves from accessing your existing accountsĪ credit freeze can help prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name, but it does nothing to keep them from committing fraud with your existing accounts.Here are a few disadvantages of placing a freeze on your credit files. This is because identity thieves will be unable to open new lines of credit in your name, although they may still be able to misuse your existing accounts if they gain access to them. If you have been a victim of identity theft and have placed a freeze on your credit, you may experience fewer instances of attempted fraud involving your personal information. A credit lock is similar to a freeze in that it restricts access to your credit file, but it is more convenient and flexible. A credit freeze is different from a credit lock, which is another feature that some credit bureaus offer. It helps protect you against some types of identity fraud A credit freeze can help you prevent identity theft and fraud, as well as safeguard your credit score.It’s still important to monitor your credit use and make payments on time to keep your score from falling. A credit freeze prevents lenders from checking your credit file.įreezing your credit has no effect on your credit score. But this doesn’t mean that a credit freeze blocks your score from regular changes. That’s because lenders usually check your credit file to see if you’re a good credit risk and likely to pay back the loan. If a fraudster tries to open a credit line, they will be blocked. No one will be able to open new lines of credit or other accounts that require a credit check in your name. It prevents opening new lines of credit. That’s no longer the case-now it's completely free. Here are a few benefits of placing a freeze on your credit files.Īt one time you might have had to pay a fee to freeze or unfreeze your credit files.
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