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County of Los Angeles |
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FREEZING CREDIT
You can help prevent identity theft by putting a security freeze on your credit file. A freeze stops the major credit reporting agencies from sharing your credit information with potential creditors. Most businesses will not open new credit without access to this information. A freeze does not affect your credit score.
When you freeze your credit file, you will be given a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to use if you decide to lift or remove the freeze later.
A freeze does not prevent existing creditors, government agencies and law enforcement from accessing your information.
Can I Still Open New Accounts?
Yes, you can temporarily lift the freeze in order to open new accounts. You can lift the freeze in writing or over the phone, using your PIN.
How Much Does it Cost to Freeze My Credit?
It costs $10 to place a security freeze with each credit bureau. It will cost $30 to put it on all three major bureaus. If you are married and want a freeze on all three bureaus for both spouses, it will cost $60.
A freeze is free if you are a victim of identity theft and you provide a copy of the police report with your written request.
If you later need to lift the freeze it will cost $10 for each report. If you want to only lift it for a specific potential creditor or company, it will cost you $12 each. It may take up to three days to be lifted. Be sure to ask the creditor or company which bureau they use so you only have to lift it from one. You can lift it by phone or in writing using a PIN number that will be supplied to you.
Effective January 1, 2009, California residents under the age of 65 cannot be charged more than $10 to place, temporarily lift, or permanently remove a security freeze. Residents ages 65 and over cannot be charged more than $5 for these services.
Effective January 1, 2009, the credit reporting agency must place the freeze on your file within 3 business days after receiving your request.
How Do I Freeze My Credit?
To freeze your credit, write to each of the credit bureaus with identifying information. Spouses must write separate letters.
Here is an example of a sample letter.
Where Do I Send My Request?
Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
Your request to Equifax should include:
- Your full name (including middle initial and Jr./Sr., etc.)
- A utility bill
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
Your request to Experian should include:
- Your full name (including middle initial and Jr./Sr., etc.)
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Previous addresses for the past two years
- A copy of a government-issued identification card such as a driver’s license
- A copy of a utility bill
TransUnion Fraud Assistance Dept
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
Your request to TransUnion should include:
- Your full name (including middle initial and Jr./Sr., etc.)
- Social Security number
- Current address
- A copy of a government-issued identification card such as a driver’s license
Each request must include a check or credit card number as form of payment. A freeze is free if you are a victim of identity theft and you provide a copy of the police report with your written request.
How Do I Permanently Remove or Temporarily Lift the Freeze?
To remove the lift, you must write to each credit reporting agency and pay the appropriate fee. Be sure to include your PIN in the letter.
You may call the following numbers to temporarily lift the freeze:
Equifax: Call the telephone number provided in your security freeze confirmation letter.
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872
Contact us for more information or speak with one of our counselors at (800) 593-8222. If you live outside of Southern California, call us at (213) 974-1452.
You can also reach the Identity Theft Unit at (213) 974-9459.
For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street *
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within LA County)
web site: dca.lacounty.gov