Recently increasing ID theft, I want to freeze or shut down on my credit report>Do you know how to do that ?

Question

Since I go back to school, I don't take any loans except for student loan which doesn't require credit report. I read a recently article on WSJ on last Saturday about ID theft. It said you can pay a fee (about $10) to get a freeze shut down access to your credit report, meaning no new credit lines can be opened unless you OK it by requesting again. But it doesn't provide any website or phone number to make that happens . Any thought??

Answer 1

Studly is right, you need proof of ID theft to flag your reports.

But, you can put a freeze on your reports, if your state allows it. Congress is considering pre-empting the laws in 17 states that allow people to freeze their credit so people won't be able to. Banks are complaining to much (waa waa waaa)

The credit bureaus will issue you a pin number to use for a temporary thaw if you are applying for credit. The bureaus will charge $10 each for the freeze. I'm not sure how much they charge per thaw.

You need to contact each credit bureau and talk to them about it.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it unless you have reason to. I would just suggest keeping an eye on your reports. But, thats just my opinion.

Answer 2

In the past you could place an "ID-Theft" flag on your account. That way, anyone who tries to get credit must contact the phone number/person on the account to get permission.

I've heard that they are now changing this policy. I don't have the details, but I heard you now need to have a police report to take advantage of the ID-Theft flag. You may be right about the $10 charge now.

The obvious place to ask are the three credit bureaus....Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. They all have web sites.

Personally, I think they are doing it wrong. The creditor should be taking a lot more care about who they give credit to. If they mess up, they should be the one to suffer, not the consumer who had their ID stolen.

Answer 3

I think you can stop new credit for free, as well as limit who can even access your report. Contact each of the three bureaus directly for instructions.

http://www.annualcreditreport.com
will let you get free reports from all 3 bureaus once a year and will provide the links and information you want.

Answer 4

If you want to freeze your credit reports, you should probably try http://www.trustedid.com or call each of the credit bureaus individually.

Answer 5

do not.. do not even propose that that ought to ensue. Oh God, no. nicely, i think i'd dedicate extra time on the farm with my comrades Dmitry Vladimovsky, Emilio Giovonelli and Pierre De Pomme. they're already threatening to confiscate the computer, curiously i'm neglecting my cactus watering responsibilities. Pfft. Cheers :)