FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is a security freeze?

    What is a security freeze?

    A security or credit freeze is a way to prevent the credit bureaus from sharing your credit data to new creditors without your explicit consent.

  • Why would I want to place a security freeze on my credit report?

    Why would I want to place a security freeze on my credit report?

    A security freeze is one of the ways to help prevent a thief from opening a new credit account, because creditors require a review of your credit report before they can approve a new account (e.g. credit card, mortgage loan, or auto loan) in your name. If the creditor can’t review the report, no new account will be opened.

  • Why would I not want to place a security freeze on my credit report?

    Why would I not want to place a security freeze on my credit report?

    When you use a security freeze to lock your credit report, it can make the process of shopping for a loan or a credit card difficult.  If you’re thinking of opening a new loan soon, a security freeze may not be for you.

    Unless you are already a victim of identity theft, the credit bureaus generally charge a fee to freeze or unfreeze your credit report.  These fees may vary by state, but range anywhere from $3 to $20 per transaction.  Note that each of the three credit bureaus have their own process for locking and unlocking credit reports.  As a result, you have to pay this fee to each of the bureaus every time you place or remove a freeze.  These fees can add up quickly.

  • Does a security freeze affect my credit score?

    Does a security freeze affect my credit score?

    No.  A security freeze has no impact on your credit score.

  • Does a security freeze prevent everyone from seeing my credit report?

    Does a security freeze prevent everyone from seeing my credit report?

    No, your report can be released to your existing creditors or to debt collectors acting on their behalf.  In certain situations, government agencies will also still have access to your report.

  • What does a security freeze not protect you from?

    What does a security freeze not protect you from?

    While a security freeze helps prevent new account openings, it cannot prevent all identity theft.  Even with a security freeze you’re still susceptible to take over of existing accounts, tax fraud, healthcare fraud, medical identity theft, and criminal identity theft to name a few.

  • How do I place a security freeze?

    How do I place a security freeze?

    The process to place a security freeze varies by bureau. You will need to individually place a credit freeze at each of the three bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  There are three ways to place a freeze, writing, phone, or online.

    The details by bureau are listed below:

    Equifax:
    Equifax Security Freeze
    P.O. Box 105788
    Atlanta, Georgia 30348
    By phone call the automated line at 1-800-685-1111 (NY residents please call 1-800-349-9960)
    Online filing: https://www.freeze.equifax.com

    Experian
    P.O. Box 9554
    Allen, TX 75013
    Online filing: https://www.experian.com/consumer/cac/InvalidateSession.do?code=FREEZE

    TransUnion
    Fraud Victim Assistance Department
    P.O. Box 6790
    Fullerton, CA 92834
    By phone: 1-888-909-8872
    Online filing: https://freeze.transunion.com/sf/securityFreeze/landingPage.jsp

  • What type of impact will a security freeze have on my current Identity Guard credit monitoring service/membership?

    What type of impact will a security freeze have on my current Identity Guard credit monitoring service/membership?

    Placing a security freeze won’t have any impact on your Identity Guard credit monitoring service. In fact, placing a security freeze is an additional step you can take to help protect your identity. But, it’s important to remember that while a security freeze helps prevent new account openings, it cannot prevent all identity theft. Even with a security freeze you’re still susceptible to take over of existing accounts. But, the good news is existing account takeovers is one of the many things that Identity Guard monitors for, on your behalf, and we’ll notify you if we detect suspicious activity.

1 "2018 Identity Fraud: Fraud Enters a New Era of Complexity," Javelin Strategy & Research, 2018
2 ath Power Consulting, February 2018
3 "2017 Child Identity Fraud Study," Javelin Strategy and Research, 2017
** Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group‚ Inc. The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms‚ conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for terms‚ conditions‚ and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions.
† If you do not cancel your membership within the free trial period, your card will be charged either a monthly or annual fee, depending on the membership plan you choose. You may cancel your membership anytime simply by contacting us.
No one can prevent all identity theft.
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