A security freeze can help protect against identity theft
by prohibiting the release of any information on the
credit report without express authorization, except to
those with whom you have an existing account or a
collection agency acting on behalf of the existing
account, for the purposes of reviewing or collecting the
account. A security freeze is designed to prevent an
extension of credit, such as a loan or a new credit card,
from being approved without consent.
A security freeze can help protect
against identity theft.
What do the credit reporting agencies
charge?
Placing a
Freeze
Temporary
Lift
Freeze
Removal
FREE
FREE
FREE
Consumers can place a security freeze on their credit
reports for free. Parents and legal guardians can also
place a security freeze on the credit report of a child or
other protected individual.
To place a security freeze contact each of the three
credit reporting agencies directly.
Equifax Info. Services LLC
(888) 378-4329
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-
report-services/credit-freeze/
Experian
(888) 397-3742
https://www.experian.com/freeze
TransUnion
(8
88) 909-8872
https://w
ww.transunion.com/credit-freeze
A
dditionaly, you can place a checking and savings
account security freeze by contacting:
Chexsystems
(800) 887-7652
https://www.chexsystems.com/security-
alert-online
Confirmation of the security freeze will be sent to you
within 5 business days of the freeze being placed. It will
include a copy of your consumer’s rights, and
instructions for removing the security freeze or
authorizing the release of your credit report for a
specific period of time.
Removing or temporarily lifting the
freeze from your credit report:
When you request a security freeze for your credit
report, you will be informed of how to remove the
security freeze, either temporarily or permanently. The
process for removing the security freeze may vary
between credit reporting companies. You will also be
given information that is used by each credit reporting
agency to verify your identity before lifting a security
freeze. As the process for removing the security freeze
may vary between credit reporting companies, please
keep the information from each credit reporting agency
in a safe place for use when needed. If lifting a security
Credit Report Security
Freeze
freeze temporarily, be prepared to provide the length of
time you would like to security freeze to be lifted.
What is the difference between a fraud
alert and a freeze?
A fraud alert is a special message on a credit file that
states the consumer is or may be a potential identity
theft victim. It requires businesses to take extra
reasonable steps to verify the identity of the applicant
before issuing the line of credit or service. A fraud alert
can also slow down your ability to get new credit. It
should not stop you from using your existing credit
cards or other accounts.
How long does it take for a security
freeze to be in effect?
Credit reporting agencies must place the freeze no later
than one day after receiving a request by phone or
online. Agencies have three days to place the freeze
after receiving a written request.
How long does it take for a security
freeze to be lifted?
Credit reporting agencies must lift a freeze no later than
one hour after receiving a request by phone or online.
Agencies have three days to lift the freeze after
receiving a written request.
Can I open new credit accounts if my
files are frozen?
Yes. If you want to open a new credit account or get a
new loan, you can lift the freeze on your credit file by
using the method given to you by the credit reporting
agency when you placed the security freeze. After you
request a freeze, each of the credit reporting agencies
will send instructions on how to lift the freeze. A lift
period can be specified for a certain amount of time.
You can lift the freeze by phone, online, or by mail using
the PIN.
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
credit reporting agencies 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 Medicare fraud.
Government agencies may also have access in response
to a court or administrative order, a subpoena, or a
search warrant.
Do I have to freeze my file with all three
credit reporting agencies?
Yes. Different credit issuers may use different credit
reporting agencies. If you want to stop your credit file
from being viewed, you need to freeze it with Equifax,
Experian, TransUnion, and ChexSystems.
Will a freeze lower my credit score?
No.
Can an employer or landlord do a
background check on me if I have a
freeze on my credit file?
Yes, the security freeze does not apply to anyone using
the information for employment, tenant, or background
screening purposes.
Does freezing my file mean that I will
not receive pre-approved credit offers?
No. You can stop pre-approved credit offers by calling
888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688). You can also do this
online at www.optoutprescreen.com. This will stop
most of the offers that go through the credit reporting
agencies. You have the option to opt-out for 5 years or
permanently.
Can I request a temporary lift with only
one credit reporting agency?
Yes. You can determine what credit reporting agency
your new creditor uses and request a lift from that
agency only. A lift period can be specified for a certain
amount of time. This method will provide added
protection, as the freeze will still be in place with the
other credit reporting agencies.
Can I request a temporary lift for a
potential creditor?
Yes. You can grant a creditor one-time access to your
credit report. Determine what credit reporting agency
your new creditor uses and request a single-use
personal identification number (PIN) from that agency.
Your creditor will be required to provide this PIN to the
credit reporting agency to view your credit report. This
method will provide added protection, as the creditor is
the only one that will have access to your credit report.
Why when placing a freeze on my credit
report would a credit reporting agency
require me to photocopy my Social
Security Card and/or Driver’s License
and fax or mail it to them?
The credit reporting agency is attempting to collect your
information for the purpose of updating your credit
report and authenticating your identity. Make sure all of
your important documents, such as your Driver’s
License have been updated with the most current
information.
Can I place a security freeze for a child
or protected individual?
Yes, a parent or legal guardian may freeze the credit
record of a child or protected individual. If your child
already has a credit report in their name, one of three
things has happened. You have applied for credit in
their names and applications were approved. You have
added them as authorized users or joint accounts
holders on one or more of your accounts. Or, someone
has fraudulently used their information to apply for
credit and the child is already an identity theft victim.
If you suspect your child may be the victim of identity
theft, first contact the credit reporting agencies directly
and request they do a manual search using only the
child’s social security number. If a file is found, you will
be able to obtain a copy to review it for inaccurate or
fraudulent information. The credit reporting agencies
may require the child's complete name, address, date of
birth and a copy of their social security card or birth
certificate. As a parent or legal guardian you may also
be required to send proof of your identity, guardianship
or Power of Attorney.
For more information or to file a complaint,
visit our website or contact:
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,
Trade and Consumer Protection
Bureau of Consumer Protection
2811 Agriculture Drive, PO Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911
Email: DATCPHotline@wi.gov
Website: datcp.wi.gov
(800) 422-7128 TTY: (608) 224-5058
IDTheftCreditReportFreeze632 (rev 10/23)
