Block Your Credit Reports to Prevent ID Theft
At the recent post-FAWCO conference Tea, we discussed the prevention of identity
theft, the best method for which is to freeze your credit with the credit-granting agencies in the
There is a way to “lift” the credit freeze if you are requesting new credit (eg.,for buying a car).
How to Request a Freeze
You need to send a letter to each consumer reporting company (click on Experian Security Freeze for a downloadable template in Word that you can fill in):
Equifax Security Freeze
Experian Security Freeze
TransUnion Security Freeze
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790, USA
When you request a freeze you need to provide identifying information such as your name, current and former addresses, Social Security number, and date of birth. Experian additionally requires two items proving residence, such as a copy of your driver license, a utility bill, or bank statement.
For an article on the subject, go to the following link (coming from the American Association of Retired Persons, and a credible source):
http://www.aarp.org/money/consumer/articles/block_your_credit_reports_to_prevent_id_theft.html