Step 1: Go to the credit bureau websites and locate the “security freeze” link.
- For Equifax: www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/
- For Experian: www.experian.com/freeze
- For TransUnion: www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
Type in your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth. (Note: You can also submit a credit freeze request via phone or in writing.) You may be asked to provide a previous address if you have lived at your current one for less than two years.
You also may need to answer a few questions about your background, including loans you’ve taken out, credit cards you hold or previous addresses to confirm your identity.
Step 2: Select the security freeze option. (Or if you already have a freeze in place, select whether you want to temporarily “unfreeze” it or remove the freeze permanently
Step 3: Jot down your PIN number, as you will need it to change the status of your freeze, like when you want to “thaw” or unfreeze it to get a loan for a new car or apply for a mortgage.