An important PennPIRG-backed consumer protection became available to Pennsylvania consumers on January 1, 2007. Pennsylvania
citizens now have the right to a “security freeze”, which effectively
prevents new account fraud, one of the most serious forms of identity
theft. When the consumer is not seeking credit, the security freeze
effectively prevents anyone else from getting credit in the consumer’s
name. When an imposter seeks credit in a consumer’s name, the creditor
checks the credit reporting file. If the file is frozen, the creditor
will deny the thief’s application. Consumers legitimately applying for
credit can lift the freeze so particular creditors can see their files.
Below
is information on how to apply for a security freeze with each of the
major credit reporting agencies. After you have applied for the freeze,
you will be issued a personal identification number (PIN) you can use
to allow temporary access to your reports (or “thawing”), along with
instructions on how to lift or thaw the freeze.
Under Pennsylvania
law, credit reporting agencies must operate a toll-free number which
consumers can call for instructions on how to place a freeze. The
instructions below were compiled through information provided by the
agency’s toll-free number, and a search of the company website. The
phone number through which to contact each agency is provided.
Equifax 1-800-685-1111
Requests must be written and sent via certified mail to:
Equifax Security Freeze
PO Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
The request must include:
Complete name
Complete address
Social security number
DOB
Payment
Note:
Equifax’s website included an instruction that was not on the toll-free
number. In addition to the above information, the company also requests
proof of current address, such as a current utility bill. Consumers may
want to include this proof to expedite the process.
The
fee for placing a freeze is $10. There is no fee for consumers 65 years
or older, or for victims of identity theft who provide a valid police
report.
Experian 1-800-290-5195
Requests for a security freeze should be submitted via certified or overnight mail to:
Experian Security Freeze
PO Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
A request must include:
Full name, with middle initial and generation, such as JR, SR, II, III, etc.
Social security number
DOB (month/date/year)
Current address and previous addresses for the past two years
Copy of a government issued identification card, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, military ID card, etc.
Copy of a utility bill, bank or insurance statement, etc. which
displays your name, current mailing address, and the date of issue
(statement dates must be recent)
The
fee for placing a freeze is $10 (plus 70 cents tax). There is no fee
for consumers 65 years or older, or for victims of identity theft who
provide a valid police report.
Transunion 1-888-909-8872
Note:
Transunion’s instructions do not include any information stating that
the written request be sent via certified mail, but this is required
under Pennsylvania law.
Mail to:
Transunion
Fraud Victims Assistance Department
PO BOX 6790
Fullerton CA, 92834-6790
A request must include:
Name
Address
SSN #
A credit card number w/ exp date to pay fee.
The
fee for placing a freeze is $10. There is no fee for consumers 65 years
or older, or for victims of identity theft who provide a valid police
report.
