Washington State Department of Financial Institutions

Credit Security Freeze and Fraud Alert

Several tools are available to help identity theft victims and potential victims in Washington.

Below you will find instructions on how to place a security freeze and a fraud alert on your credit file. Which option is right for you will depend on your situation and eligibility.

What Is A Security Freeze?

A security freeze means that your credit file cannot be shared with potential creditors or insurance companies. Learn how to place a security freeze.

Currently, you have the right to put a security freeze now on your credit file if you are a victim of identity theft or your personal information has been acquired in a computerized data security breach. Beginning Sept. 1, 2008, any Washington resident can request a freeze.

View answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about security freezes.

What Is A Fraud Alert?

A fraud alert does not block potential new credit, but is merely a comment on your history. A fraud alert instructs creditors to contact you before issuing credit in your name. Learn how to place a fraud alert.

If you don’t qualify for a security freeze you may still be able to request a fraud alert in some cases. You can have a security freeze and a fraud alert simultaneously.

How To Place A Security Freeze

To place a freeze, follow these steps:

  1. File a police report in either the jurisdiction where the crime took place or where you live. (If you are a victim of a data security breach, you may be able to obtain the police report filed by the business or agency that was the target of the breach. If so, you can include this report with your request in lieu of filing your own police report.)

    Note: Under new legislation that will take effect September 1, 2008, an individual who includes a police report as evidence of that he or she is an identity theft victim will not be charged a fee. Other individuals will not be requested to supply a police report with their request.
  2. Write a letter to each of the three major credit reporting agencies requesting a credit report security freeze.

    In your letter, you should include information to prove your identity, including your full name, Social Security number, address and birth date.
  3. Include the following with your letter:
    • Police report
    • Proof of address, such as copy of a utility bill, bank statement or insurance statement
    • Experian also requires a copy of a government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license or military ID
    • The bureaus may request additional information to process your request
  4. Send your request and documentation by certified mail (required) to each of the addresses below:

    Equifax Security Freeze
    P.O. Box 105788
    Atlanta, GA 30348

    Experian Security Freeze
    P. O. Box 9554
    Allen, TX 75013

    Trans Union Security Freeze
    P. O. Box 6790
    Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

How To Place A Fraud Alert

Call the toll-free fraud number of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. The other two credit bureaus will automatically be notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.

Equifax
1-800-685-1111
Experian
1-888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
Trans Union
1-800-916-8800

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