Security Freeze FAQ's
Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about security freezes. To learn more about security freezes, visit our security freeze webpage.
Is There A Cost To Place A Freeze?
Under current law, identity theft victims and individuals whose information was potentially compromised in a data breach may request a freeze for free. Qualifying individuals may be charged a fee to temporarily lift or remove a freeze; check with the credit bureaus.
Beginning September 1, 2008, identity theft victims and seniors ages 65 and older will be able to place a freeze for free. Victims will need to provide a police report with their request. Other consumers would pay to up to $10 to each bureau for placement of a freeze, a “thaw” (temporary lift) or removal. Consumers who aren’t entitled to a free freeze would therefore pay a total of $30 to freeze their reports with the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. All consumers, including victims, may be charged a fee of up to $10 to each bureau for a “thaw”, temporary lift or removal of the freeze.
Do I Have To Freeze My File With All Three Credit Bureaus?
Yes. Different credit issuers may use different credit bureaus. If you want to stop your credit file from being viewed, you need to freeze it with Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Although the bureaus generally share information reported to them that is related to a fraud alert or credit freeze, they are not required to do so.
My Information Was Stolen In A Security Breach. Do I Still Need To File A Police Report?
Under Washington’s current law, a police report is required to request a security freeze. Police departments generally prefer that you file a report only if you are a victim of a crime. In some cases, the business or agency that was the target of the security breach may be willing to provide you with a copy of its police report in order to request a freeze.
Beginning September 1, 2008, you may request a freeze but unless you provide a police report indicating that you are victim of identity theft, you may be charged a fee.
Can I Open New Credit Accounts If My Files Are Frozen?
You cannot open new credit while a freeze is in place. You can request that a freeze by temporarily lifted. This can take up to three days under current law.
Beginning September 1, 2008, Washington consumers will be able to request a thaw within 15 minutes through an electronic contact method chosen by the credit bureau, or within three business days of receiving a request by mail.
Credit bureaus may charge a fee for this service; confirm with them in advance. Current legislation does not indicate how much they can charge for this service. Under legislation that will take effect September 1, 2008, individuals may pay up to $10 to each bureau.
How Long Does It Take For A Security Freeze To Be In Effect?
Credit bureaus must place the freeze no later than five business days after receiving your written request.
Under new legislation that begins September 1, 2008, bureaus must place a freeze within five business days after receiving your written request and payment of any required fees.
How Long Does It Take For A Security Freeze To Be Lifted?
Credit bureaus must lift a freeze no later than three business days of receiving your request.
What Will A Creditor Who Requests My File See If It Is Frozen?
A creditor will see a message or a code indicating that the file is frozen.
Can A Creditor Get My Credit Score If My File Is Frozen?
No. A creditor who requests your file from one of the three credit bureaus will only get a message or a code indicating that the file is frozen.
Can I Order My Own Credit Report If My File Is Frozen?
Yes
Can Anyone See My Credit File If It Is Frozen?
When you have a security freeze on your credit file, certain entities still have access to it. Your report can still be released to your existing creditors or to collection agencies acting on their behalf. They can use it to review or collect on your account. Other creditors may also use your information to make offers of credit, unless you opt out of receiving such offers.
Government agencies may have access for collecting child support payments or taxes or for investigating fraud. Government agencies may also have access in response to a court or administrative order, a subpoena, or a search warrant.
Will A Freeze Lower My Credit Score?
No.
Does Freezing My File Mean That I Won’t Receive Pre-Approved Credit Offers?
No. You can stop the pre-approved credit offers by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT. This will stop most of the offers; the ones that go through the credit bureaus. It’s good for two years or you can make it permanent.
What Law Requires Security Freezes?
Washington State’s Fair Credit Reporting Act, RCW 19.182, was amended in July 2005 to allow victims of identity theft the ability to place a freeze on their credit. New revisions that take effect September 1, 2008, will expand this right to all individuals.
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