Credit Freeze
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a consumer right provided by Indiana law. Placing a security freeze on your credit reports can block an identity thief from opening a new account or obtaining credit in your name. A credit freeze keeps new creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission. If you activate a credit freeze, an identity thief cannot take out new credit in your name, even if the thief has your Social Security number or other personal information, because creditors cannot access your credit report.
Any Indiana resident can request a credit freeze free of charge. There is no fee for Indiana residents to place, temporarily lift, remove or request a new password or PIN. To place a freeze, either use each credit agency's online process or send a letter by certified mail to each of the three credit agencies:
Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
Place a Security Freeze Online with Equifax
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
Place a Security Freeze Online with Experian
Trans Union Security Freeze
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
Place a Security Freeze Online with Trans Union
For each, you may be asked to provide:
- Your full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.,) address, Social Security number, and date of birth
- If you have moved in the past five years, you will need the addresses where you have lived over the prior five years
- Proof of current address such as a utility or phone bill (alternative options include a bank, insurance, or credit card statement listing your full name and address)
- A photocopy of a government issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, military identification, etc.)
*Click here for sample letters to send to all three credit bureaus.
