Freeze Support Center

Top Freeze FAQS

What should I do to protect my identity?

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, once a year, from all three bureaus. Set up transaction alerts if your bank offers them to notify you of all account activity. Finally, consider adding some extra armor like a fraud alert or credit freeze.

What is a credit report?

A credit report dives into the nitty-gritty of your credit activity. This financial diary includes the specifics on all credit card and loan payments, credit inquiries, and any collection accounts and bankruptcies.

What should I do when a data breach occurs?

• 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 Facebook accounts, for example, may have also been compromised.
• Change your passwords across the board. Password 123 won’t cut it. Additionally, keep an eye on your credit reports to ensure that your credit is not being affected by fraudulent activity.

What is a credit freeze?

A credit freeze prevents lenders from checking your credit in order to open a new account. Remember, if you have a freeze you must remove it to apply for credit. We make it easy for you though, so don’t worry.

What is a fraud alert?

A fraud alert (valid for one year) notifies lenders to call you to verify your identity before extending new credit. This extra step ensures that you are undoubtedly you, and not an imposter trying to open a new credit account to buy a new car in your name. Even better, you only need to add the alert with one bureau and they’ll notify the other two. The best part? It won’t cost you a dime.

Why would I need a 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 freeze or fraud alert will not affect your credit score, so go ahead and apply for that loan (just be sure to remove the freeze before you do). Get your dream apartment with the marble countertops.

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

Not while your credit report is frozen. When you put a freeze on your file, you put a padlock on it (not literally) and new creditors won’t be able to access it. You will need to remove your freeze to apply for new credit.

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.

Freeze My Credit

How do I place a freeze on my credit report?

Online: Add Freeze
The quickest way to place your freeze is online or in the mobile app. Simply login or create an account and be amazed at how easy we made it for you.
Mobile App: Download myTransUnion, available now in the Apple or Google Play App Store.
It’s 2018, so yes, there is an app for that.

Is there a fee for a freeze?

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

Wait… I’m pretty sure I paid for a freeze before, can I have a refund?

It’s true, there used to be a fee for a credit freeze under state law. They are free now which is great news, but no, we won’t be offering refunds. Silver lining, you won’t have to pay for a freeze ever again.

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 (and anyone else) tries to open new accounts, but you can still use the credit cards you have.

Note: If you’re looking to temporarily prevent charges on the plastic you currently carry, 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 each of the other bureaus, specifically Equifax and Experian. We included their contact info below to make it easy for you. You’re welcome.

Equifax: P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA, 30374
1-800-685-1111
https://www.freeze.equifax.com

Experian Security Freeze: P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
https://www.experian.com/freeze

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

Someone, but not just anyone. Under federal law, a freeze won’t stop someone from checking your credit in the following situations.

• Underwriting insurance
• Account review or collection (account maintenance, monitoring, credit line increases and account upgrades and enhancements)
• Credit monitoring services subscribed to by you

(Note: The current exempted uses listed for your credit freeze may change without notice if they are updated by new laws.)

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.

Manage Pin

How do I change my freeze PIN?

Requesting a new PIN is quick and easy online. Login and follow the prompts and have your new PIN in a flash.

Your PIN is a 6-digit number that will be associated with your credit freeze. Choose something that you'll remember but others might not easily guess. Your PIN needs to be something not previously used, and can’t be all zeroes.

What is the PIN used for?

PINs are there to add security and make sure it’s really you making changes to your credit report when using the phone system. Again, you will only need it to change your freeze via phone. You won’t need it to make changes to your freeze online or through the mobile app.

Lift or Remove an Existing Freeze

How do I temporarily lift a freeze?

To temporarily lift your freeze, login to your account (either online or download myTransUnion, available in the Apple or Google Play App Store) and select "Temporarily Lift Freeze”. Then enter the dates you want the lift to happen.

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 wish to unfreeze more than 15 days from today, please login closer to the date when you want your credit report unfrozen.

How do I remove a freeze?

To remove your freeze, login to your account (either online or download myTransUnion, available in the Apple or Google Play App Store) and select “Remove Credit Freeze”. When you are ready, you can come back and freeze again.

*By removing your TransUnion credit freeze, you are opening your credit report to be accessible to lenders.

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

Not a problem. With a freeze, you’re in control of who gets the scoop on your finances. Remove or temporarily lift your freeze and start your application.

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 A Loved One's Credit

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.

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, we can help. 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 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 One piece of information or documentation that provides ‘sufficient proof of identification’ that you are who you really are, and that the minor/dependent is who they really are, such as:
   
   • a social security number or a copy of a social security card issued by the Social Security Administration
   • a certified or official copy of a birth certificate issued by the entity authorized to issue the birth certificate
   • a copy of a driver’s license, an identification card issued by the motor vehicle administration, or any other government issued identification

Please send everything here:
TransUnion Protected Consumer Freeze
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.

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:
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.

Step Two:
Check with the Social Security Administration to ensure that they have updated their files and notified the credit reporting companies. Refer to the internet to find the address and phone number of the nearest Social Security office.

Step Three:
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. The letter should also include the name and mailing address for the spouse, 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

Minor/Child Freeze

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, please complete the secure online form using the following link:
http://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/child-identity-theft-inquiry-form

You may also send your request, along with a copy of the child’s birth certificate and Social Security card and your proof of identity, by fax or mail to:

Attention: Child ID Theft
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
Fax: (610) 546-4771

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 based on the information I provided, does this mean there is no credit file?

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.

If TransUnion was unable to locate a file, does this mean there is nothing reported against my child’s Social Security number?

This means TransUnion has no existing credit history for your child. 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, or a credit suppression. More information for both are below. 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:
http://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/child-identity-theft-inquiry-form

You should 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
www.irs.gov

Social Security Administration
(800) 772-1213
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 provide TransUnion with a copy of the child’s birth certificate and Social Security card, along with your dispute listing the inaccurate items. 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 or credit suppression to your minors file.

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 US States and Puerto Rico. If you have additional questions about protected consumer freezes, please call (800) 680-7289 to speak to a representative.

What is credit suppression?

Credit suppression is a free service for minors 17 or younger. It offers the same amount of protection as a protected consumer freeze. TransUnion will suppress the file until the age of 18. Credit suppression blocks a creditor from obtaining the minors credit report. You do not have to request the removal of a credit suppression, the suppression will expire the month that the minor is set to turn 18.

How do I request credit suppression for my minor?

If you would like to request a credit suppression for your minor please provide TransUnion with a copy of the minor’s birth certificate and Social Security card to the address or fax number below. Provide proof of your identification (i.e. driver’s license, government issued identification card, etc.). If you are not a parent listed on the child’s birth certificate, also include your guardianship documents.

Please mail or fax the request and required documents to:
Attention: Child ID Theft
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
Fax: (610) 546-4771

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

You can, however, TransUnion will need to create a credit file for your child in order to suppress it.

Is a protected consumer freeze or credit suppression a permanent option?

A protected consumer freeze will remain on the minors file until the minor (once 16 or older), or guardian submits a written request for its removal. A credit suppression will automatically be removed from the minors file once they reach the age of 18.

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 or lock your credit report. More information can be found here:
www.transunion.com/credithelp

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