Freeze Support Center

Top Freeze FAQS

Is there a fee for a freeze? Or is credit freeze free?

TransUnion is pleased to offer freezes for free. Freeze removals are also free. So freeze or remove your freeze as often as you want.

What is identity theft? How can I protect myself from it?

Identity theft is a serious crime where your personal information — anything from your name, driver’s license or Social Security Number — has been hijacked by an imposter to commit fraud in your name. You’re the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your identity. Check your credit reports and financial accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. You can get your credit report here for free weekly through 2022 from all three credit reporting agencies. Set up transaction alerts if your bank offers them to notify you of all account activity. Finally, consider adding a fraud alert or credit freeze. For more information, check out our Identity Theft Resources.

What is a credit report?

Your credit report is a record of your financial history. It includes credit inquiries, open and closed credit accounts, your payment history and bankruptcies (if applicable). It also contains personal information such as your current and former address(es), names and employers. All this information is part of your data identity. By managing it regularly, you can help ensure you’re accurately represented in the modern economy so you can get the credit opportunities you desire.

What is a data breach? How does a data breach affect me?

A data breach occurs when someone’s personal information is stolen or exposed without their permission. If you are a victim of a data breach, consider the following steps:

• Alert your credit card companies immediately and all financial institutions; the bank can freeze your accounts and help prevent them from being drained.
• Cancel your credit cards right away if the bank doesn’t do so automatically.
• Monitor financial and online accounts for suspicious activity. Your email or social media accounts, for example, may have also been compromised.
• Change your passwords across the board.
• Add a credit freeze or fraud alert to your credit report. 

Additionally, keep an eye on your credit reports to ensure that your credit is not being affected by fraudulent activity.

Should I freeze my credit?

The choice is yours. If you are concerned about data breaches or just want to be proactive in protecting yourself, a credit freeze could be the right option.

What is a credit freeze?

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, can be added to your TransUnion credit file to prevent all third parties, such as credit lenders or other companies, whose use is not exempt under law, from accessing your credit file without your consent.

Remember, if you have a freeze you must remove or temporarily lift it to apply for credit. You can add, temporarily lift, and remove freezes online through the TransUnion Service Center. It’s free to add, temporarily lift, and remove a freeze.

What is a fraud alert?

A fraud alert is a statement that is added to your credit file that will notify potential credit grantors that you may be or have been a victim of identity theft. Before they extend credit, they should use reasonable procedures to verify your identity. Fraud alerts are free to add and are valid for one year.

Why would I need a credit freeze or fraud alert?

These powerful tools can help you steer clear of identity theft or prevent history from repeating itself if you’ve already fallen victim. They offer added protection, making it more difficult for anyone, including fraudsters, to apply for credit using your info.

Think of a freeze or fraud alert like a fortress for your personal data. They strengthen your defense but aren’t impenetrable, so it’s still important to regularly monitor your credit.

Will a freeze or fraud alert affect my credit score?

A credit freeze or fraud alert will not affect your credit score.

What is the difference between a fraud alert and credit freeze?

A fraud alert notifies lenders to verify your identity before extending new credit, but it does not block access to your credit report. A credit freeze blocks access to your credit report if anyone tries to open a new account. For more information about the differences between fraud alerts and credit freezes, check out our blog.

How long does it take for my freeze/freeze removal to go into effect when I place it online or by phone?

Adding, lifting or removing a freeze online often happens in real time, but to be on the safe side, allow up to one hour for it to go into effect. If you add, lift or remove a freeze by phone or mail, this may take up to 3 business days from the date the request is received.

What is the difference between a credit freeze and a credit lock?

A credit freeze and a credit lock prevent lenders from checking your credit in order to open a new account. They're both great ways to control who can access your credit. Credit freezes are always free and provided by credit reporting agencies. Credit lock can come as a feature of credit monitoring services. 

Can I still apply for credit if I have a freeze?

Not while your credit report is frozen. You will need to remove your freeze to apply for new credit, which you can do online through the TransUnion Service Center.

Do credit freezes freeze my credit card so I can't buy things with it?

No. A credit freeze doesn’t affect your credit card. You credit report won’t be accessible, but that won’t affect your credit card. They are two different things.

Where can I learn about my consumer rights related to credit reporting?

Our Summary of Rights page details your rights as a consumer under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

 

Freeze My Credit

How do I place a freeze on my credit?

The quickest and easiest way to freeze your credit file is online through the TransUnion Service Center.

You can also add a freeze to your credit report by phone or mail. Call TransUnion at 800-916-8800. or send a written request that includes your name, address and Social Security number to:

TransUnion
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094

Your request should include one proof of Social Security number and two proofs of your current address. All documents should reflect your current name and be unexpired. Please only submit photocopies of your documents. These can include:

Identity (Provide 1):

• Social Security card
• Letter from Social Security Administration
• Military ID
• Medicaid or Medicare card

Address (Provide 2):

• Driver's license with current address
• Utility bill
• Bank or credit union statement
• Canceled check
• Pay stub
• Signed homeless shelter letter
• Prison ID letter
• Stamped post office box receipt
• Government-issued ID
• State ID card

Can a company I already have a relationship with view my credit report if I have a freeze placed?

Yes. Any company you already have an account with will still be able to access your credit report regarding the existing account, but they will not be able to use your credit report to open a new account in your name.

Can you put a freeze on existing credit cards?

It may sound like a credit freeze would impact your credit cards, but it has absolutely no effect on credit cards you already own. A freeze prevents your credit report from being accessed when you or anyone else tries to open new accounts. You can still use the credit cards you have.

Note: If you’re looking to temporarily prevent charges on your credit cards, consult with your credit card issuer.

If I freeze with TransUnion do I need to freeze with the other bureaus?

Yes. You can freeze your TransUnion credit report with us, but to freeze your other credit reports you must contact the other bureaus, Equifax and Experian. We included their contact info below to make it easy for you.

Equifax:

Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA, 30348-5788

888-298-0045

https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze

Experian:

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

888-397-3742

https://www.experian.com/freeze

Could someone access my credit report even though I placed a freeze on it?

Yes, but only in certain situations that are allowed by federal law. These situations include:

• Companies that have a current – or in some cases, prior – financial relationship with you. This can include when those companies review your account for maintenance, monitoring, increasing credit lines or account upgrades and enhancements or collecting the financial obligation owed
• Any federal, state or local agency, law enforcement agency, trial court or private collection agency acting pursuant to a court order, warrant or subpoena or other permissible purposes
• Any federal or state agency acting to investigate fraud or acting to investigate or collect delinquent taxes or unpaid court orders
• A child support agency 
• Any person using credit information for the prescreen purpose described under section 604(c) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
• Companies that provide you with a copy of your credit report or credit score upon your request
• Companies that administer a credit monitoring subscription or similar service to which you have subscribed
• Underwriting insurance
• Employment, tenant or background screening 
• Any person using the information for assessing, verifying or authenticating a consumer’s identity for purposes other than the granting of credit, or for investigating or preventing actual or potential fraud

Note: You have the right to limit “prescreened” offers of credit or insurance you get based on information in your credit report. If you want to remove your name and address from prescreen mailing lists obtained from the major credit reporting agencies – TransUnion, Equifax, Experian and Innovis – click here. Adding a credit freeze to your credit report does not stop firm offers of credit.

What is permissible purpose?

Permissible purpose is a reason specified in the law that allows someone to check your credit report. A credit freeze stops a creditor from accessing your credit report to open a new account, even though they have permissible purpose. But if the permissible purpose is to review your credit report to make changes to an account you already have, a freeze won’t stop that.

Do I still need a PIN to make changes to my freeze via phone or mail?

No, you no longer need a 6-digit PIN to change your freeze. If you want to change your freeze over the phone, call us at 800-916-8800 and we'll verify your identity by asking for your name, date of birth, address and Social Security number. We may also ask additional questions to verify your identity.

If you want to change your freeze by mail, send a written request to:

TransUnion
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094

Your request should include one proof of Social Security number and two proofs of your current address. All documents should reflect your current name and be unexpired. Please only submit photocopies of your documents. These can include:

Identity (Provide 1):

• Social Security card
• Letter from Social Security Administration
• Military ID
• Medicaid or Medicare card

Address (Provide 2):

• Driver's license with current address
• Utility bill
• Bank or credit union statement
• Canceled check
• Pay stub
• Signed homeless shelter letter
• Prison ID letter
• Stamped post office box receipt
• Government-issued ID
• State ID card

 

Lift or Remove an Existing Freeze

How do I temporarily lift a freeze?

Log in to your TransUnion Service Center account and select "Temporarily Lift Freeze." Then enter the dates you want the lift to happen. It's free to temporarily lift a freeze.

To make things easy, you can plan and schedule your freeze removal up to 15 days in advance of when you want it to happen. If you want to unfreeze more than 15 days from today, please log in closer to the date you want your credit report unfrozen.

You can also call us to temporarily lift a freeze over the phone.

How do I remove a freeze?

If you placed a freeze online, the quickest and easiest way to remove the freeze from your credit file is online through the TransUnion Service Center. You can also remove a freeze by phone or mail. It’s free to remove a freeze from your credit file.

Call TransUnion at 800-916-8800 or send a written request that includes your name, address and Social Security number to:

TransUnion

P.O. Box 160

Woodlyn, PA 19094

What if I need to apply for credit while my freeze is active?

If you need to apply for credit but have a freeze in place, you can remove it or temporarily lift it before starting the application. Visit the TransUnion Service Center to remove or temporarily lift your freeze online. You can also remove a freeze by phone or mail. It’s free to remove a freeze from your credit file.

Call TransUnion at 800-916-8800 or send a written request that includes your name, address and Social Security number to:

TransUnion

P.O. Box 160

Woodlyn, PA 19094

Is a freeze permanent?

You’re in control of how long a freeze stays on your credit report. Your report will be frozen until you request its removal.

 

Freeze Credit for a Minor, Incapacitated Adult or Spouse

How do I freeze for my minor child?

If you are a parent or guardian of a minor and would like to freeze their credit report, you can do this by adding a protected consumer freeze to their credit file. Here's what you'll need to provide:

1. A written request to place a “protected consumer freeze” on the named individual’s file
2. AND a copy of one piece of documentation that provides ‘sufficient proof of authority’ that you have authority to act on behalf of the minor or dependent such as:
   
   
   • An order issued by a court of law
   • A lawfully executed and valid power of attorney
   • A document issued by a Federal, State, or local government agency in the United States showing proof of parentage, including a birth certificate
   • With respect to a protected consumer who has been placed in a foster care setting, a written communication from a county welfare department or its agent or designee, or a county probation department or its agent or designee, certifying that the protected consumer is in a foster care setting under its jurisdiction.
3. AND information or copies of documentation confirming your identity AND the identity of the minor/dependent. Information or documentation needs to provide ‘sufficient proof of identification’ that you and the minor/dependent are who you really are, such as a:
   
   
   • Social Security number or a copy of a Social Security card
   • Certified or official copy of a birth certificate issued by the entity authorized to issue the birth certificate
   • Copy of a driver’s license, an identification card issued by the motor vehicle administration, or any other government issued identification

Please only send copies of documents, not original documents.

Send everything here:

TransUnion
P.O. Box 380
Woodlyn, PA 19094

Please note: Consumers are not able to place a protected consumer freeze via phone or online at this time due to the documentation requirements. We accept either standard or certified mail.

How does a credit file get created for a minor?

Typically, minors do not have credit files. An application for credit, a credit account, or a public record starts the compilation of a consumer credit file. Adding the minor as an authorized user to someone’s existing line of credit can also create a file. Usually all that is needed is a Social Security number.

How do I know if my child's identity has been stolen?

Warning signs that might indicate your child’s identity has been stolen can include, but are not limited to:

• Your child begins to receive suspicious mail, like pre-approved credit cards and other financial offers normally sent to adults, in his or her own name.
• You try to open a financial account for him or her but find one already exists, or the application is denied because of a poor credit history.
• A credit file already exists in his or her name. If the child has one, he or she may have been targeted already, since only an application for credit, a credit account, or a public record starts the compilation of a consumer credit file.

How do I check if a credit file exists for my child?

TransUnion would be happy to check our records for a credit file under the child’s information. If you are interested in checking, please complete our secure online form.

Please note that sending a request to TransUnion to check for a credit file will NOT create a credit file.

If TransUnion was unable to locate a credit file for my child based on the information provided, does this mean there is no credit file or that there is nothing reported against my child’s Social Security number?

Typically, a minor has no established credit or credit history and therefore a credit file will not exist. TransUnion only maintains credit reports for individuals that have an existing credit history. However, we recommend contacting the other consumer reporting agencies as information can vary.

If TransUnion did not find a file under my child’s information, do I need to contact the other bureaus?

We would recommend that you do. Information varies between Consumer Reporting Agencies.

What if TransUnion does locate a file on my child?

If a file is located, we can add a protected consumer freeze on the minor’s credit report. Protected consumer freezes can only be made by mail as they require proof of identity and proof of authority to make the request. You can learn more about what you'll need to submit in a written request here.

You should also consider visiting https://identitytheft.gov/ to report the fraud and review other recommended steps.

Someone stole my minor’s information and/or used my minor’s Social Security Number to file taxes and/or open accounts, what should I do?

TransUnion can assist you by checking our records for a credit file under the child’s name. Please complete the secure online form using the following link: Child Identity Theft Inquiry Form

You should also contact the other credit reporting agencies to check their records for a credit file. Also consider filing an FTC Identity Theft Report at https://identitytheft.gov, and contacting the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration offices.

Internal Revenue Service

Identity Protection Specialized Unit

800-908-4490

https://www.irs.gov

Social Security Administration

800-772-1213

https://www.ssa.gov

A credit file was found for my child and it contains accounts or inquiries. How can I have this information removed from their file?

Please mail TransUnion a copy of the child’s birth certificate and Social Security card (if available), along with your dispute listing the inaccurate items. You can find our mailing address here. Once we receive the dispute, we will conduct an investigation. You may also want to contact the companies listed directly and inform them that the Social Security number associated with the accounts belongs to a minor.

In addition, you may want to file an FTC Identity Theft Report with https://identitytheft.gov. You should provide each company that you contact with a copy of the report to inform them of identity theft.

I received a credit card application in the mail for my child; how did this happen?

Your child may be on a promotional mailing list. Companies purchase mailing lists from many sources. If you or your child have subscribed to any services in the child’s name (for example, magazines or airline frequent flyer accounts) that are not specifically designed for children, their name may have been shared as part of a mailing list.

Can I add a fraud alert on my minor’s Social Security Number?

TransUnion currently does not offer fraud alert protection for minors. However, we can offer to place a protected consumer freeze on your minor’s file. Click here for more information on adding a freeze to your minor child’s credit report.

Can I add a Protected Consumer Freeze on my minor’s Social Security Number?

Yes, the protected consumer freeze is applicable to minors 15 or younger in all 50 U.S. States and Puerto Rico. Click here for more information on adding a freeze to your minor child’s credit report.

If TransUnion does not locate a credit file for my child, can I still place a freeze?

Yes, you can. Click here for more information on adding a freeze for a minor.

Is a Protected Consumer Freeze permanent?

A Protected Consumer Freeze will remain on the minor or incapacitated adult’s file until the guardian submits a written request for its removal by mail.

When a minor turns 16, they can request the removal themselves by mailing in a written request and a copy of a proof of identity document.

Where can I find more information on Child ID Theft?

The FTC has helpful information on their website: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0040-child-identity-theft

What if I’m worried about the safety of my own information?

If you are concerned about your personal information and want to take steps to protect yourself, you can freeze your credit report. You can find more information here.

You should also consider visiting https://identitytheft.gov to report any fraud and review other recommended steps. If you're working towards recovery from fraud, you can also use TransUnion's Fraud Companion Guide.

If a minor/protected freeze is for those 15 years old and younger, how can I freeze my credit if I am 16 or 17?

In you are over the age of 16, but not yet 18, you will need to mail in your freeze request. Please send us a letter requesting a freeze and include the following information:

• Your name
• Current address (If you have lived here less than 2 years, provide your previous address also)
• Your TransUnion file number (if applicable)
• Social Security number
• Date of birth

Our mailing address:

TransUnion

P.O. Box 160

Woodlyn, PA 19094

What is a Protected Consumer Freeze?

A Protected Consumer Freeze prevents any entity from obtaining a minor’s under the age of 16 or incapacitated adult’s credit report. A parent, guardian or person with a valid power of attorney can add one for a minor or incapacitated adult by mailing TransUnion a request with documents proving you have the authority to act on their behalf.

How can I remove a Protected Consumer Freeze?

To remove a Protected Consumer Freeze, you’ll need to submit the following:

1. A written request to remove the freeze on the named individual's file

2. AND a copy of one piece of documentation that provides ‘sufficient proof of authority’ that you have authority to act on behalf of the minor or dependent such as:

• An order issued by a court of law
• A lawfully executed and valid power of attorney
• A document issued by a Federal, State or local government agency in the United States showing proof of parentage, including a birth certificate
• With respect to a protected consumer who has been placed in a foster care setting, a written communication from a county welfare department or its agent or designee, or a county probation department or its agent or designee, certifying that the protected consumer is in a foster care setting under its jurisdiction   

3. AND information or copies of documentation confirming your identity AND the identity of the minor/dependent. Information or documentation needs to provide ‘sufficient proof of identification’ that you and the minor/dependent are who you really are, such as a:

• Social Security number or a copy of a Social Security card
• Certified or original copy of a birth certificate issued by the entity authorized to issue the birth certificate
• Copy of a driver’s license, an identification card issued by the motor vehicle administration or any other government issued identification

If you are the protected consumer and are 16 years old or older, you can mail in a request to remove a Protected Consumer Freeze yourself with the following:

1. A written request to remove the freeze on the named individual's file

2. AND information or a copy of documentation that provides ‘sufficient proof of identification’ that you are who you really are, such as a:

• Social Security number or a copy of a Social Security card
• Certified or original copy of a birth certificate issued by the entity authorized to issue the birth certificate
• Copy of a driver’s license, an identification card issued by the motor vehicle administration or any other government issued identification

Please only send copies of documents, not original documents.

Mail the request and supporting documents to:

TransUnion
P.O. Box 380
Woodlyn, PA 19094

How do I add a freeze for an incapacitated adult?

If you have valid power of attorney for an incapacitated adult and want to add a freeze to their credit report, here's what you'll need to provide.

1. A written request to place a Protected Consumer Freeze on the named individual’s file

2. AND a copy of one piece of documentation that provides ‘sufficient proof of authority’ that you have authority to act on behalf of the person such as

• An order issued by a court of law
• A lawfully executed and valid power of attorney
• A document issued by a Federal, State, or local government agency in the United States showing proof of parentage, including a birth certificate

3. AND information or copies of documentation confirming your identity AND the identity of the incapacitated adult. Information or documentation needs to provide ‘sufficient proof of identification’ that you and the incapacitated adult are who you really are, such as a:

• Social Security number or a copy of a Social Security card
• Certified or official copy of a birth certificate issued by the entity authorized to issue the birth certificate
• Copy of a driver’s license, an identification card issued by the motor vehicle administration, or any other government issued identification

Please only send copies of documents, not original documents.

Send everything here:

TransUnion
P.O. Box 380
Woodlyn, PA 19094

Please note: Consumers are not able to place a Protected Consumer Freeze via phone or online at this time due to the documentation requirements. We accept either standard or certified mail.

Can I place a freeze for my family members?

Yes. Spouses can request freezes for each other by phone at 888-909-8872, as long as they pass authentication. You can also request a freeze for someone if you have a valid Power of Attorney by calling 888-909-8872.

If you are a parent/guardian/representative you can freeze for a minor 15 and younger.

Can I freeze a credit report for a deceased family member?

We’re sorry you have to go through this tough time. While you can’t freeze the credit report of a deceased family member, you can update your family member’s credit report to show as deceased. This will notify any creditor who attempts to pull the report that the consumer is deceased. Follow the steps below and we will help you update your loved one’s credit report and give you peace of mind:

Step One:

Check with the Social Security Administration to ensure that they have updated their files and notified the credit reporting companies.

Step Two:

Forward a copy of the death certificate to one of the three credit reporting companies; the receiving bureau will notify the other two companies. This will allow the credit reporting agencies to add a notation to the credit report that the consumer is deceased. Along with the death certificate, please include the person’s legal name, Social Security number, date of birth and date of death. If the notification is coming from the deceased's spouse, the letter should also include their name and mailing address plus a copy of their identification. If the request is from an executor for the deceased, or someone other than a spouse, we need a copy of identification for the requestor, plus a copy of the will/executor agreement or Power of Attorney documentation.

You can mail your information to TransUnion at:

TransUnion

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, PA 19016

Step Three:

Contact all creditors that the deceased person(s) did business with and request that they mark their files accordingly. Be sure to forward a copy of the death certificate to them, once you receive it.