Freezing Your Equifax Credit Report
You have three options for freezing your credit report with Equifax.
Online
The fastest way to freeze your credit report is online via Equifax’s website. To complete the freeze, you’ll first have to create a myEquifax account. Creating an account requires you to provide your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and identity verification information.
By Phone
If you don’t want to create an online account with Equifax, the next best option is to request a freeze by phone. The number to call is 888-298-0045. When you request a freeze by phone, a one-time PIN will be sent by text message to you.
By Mail
The final option for freezing your credit report is to download and mail in the appropriate forms. Send the completed paperwork to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788. Send via certified mail so you have proof that your forms were mailed and you can check to see when they’re received. When you freeze your credit, you’ll need to provide one document to validate your identification. This can be any of the following:
Valid driver’s licenseSocial Security cardPay stubW-2 form1099 formCourt documents for legal name changeBirth certificatePassportMarriage certificateDivorce decreeState IDMilitary ID
You’ll also need to provide one item to validate your address:
Valid driver’s licenseUtility bill with the correct address (gas, water, cable, residential phone bill)Cellphone billPay stubW-2 form1099 formRental lease agreement/house deedMortgage statementBank statementState ID
Once Equifax receives your forms and identifying documentation by mail, it can take up to three business days for the freeze to become effective.
Freezing a Minor’s Equifax Credit Report
Parents can also freeze credit reports for children under age 16 to prevent their identities from being used fraudulently. You must complete the Minor Freeze Request Form and provide information for the person whose credit you want to freeze. In addition, you must show you have the authority to request the freeze. Minors who are 16 or 17 may request their own security freeze by phone or mail.
Lifting and Unfreezing Your Credit Report
When you’re ready to apply for a loan or credit card, you’ll need to temporarily lift the freeze so the lender can pull your credit report. You may not know ahead of time which credit report the company will check, so unfreezing all three credit reports is best. You can unfreeze your Equifax report online, by phone, or by mail. Unfreezing online or by phone is fastest; Equifax has to lift the freeze in an hour. Otherwise, if you request the freeze by mail, it can take up to three business days for the freeze to be lifted.
What Freezing Your Equifax Credit Report Won’t Do
Be aware that a credit report freeze doesn’t offer protection from all types of fraud. Thieves may be able to open accounts with businesses that don’t use a major credit bureau. They may also be able to commit other types of fraud like taking over a credit card account or filing taxes in your name. Businesses that you already have a relationship with will still be able to access your credit information, too. Freezing your credit report at Equifax won’t affect your credit score. You’ll still be able to use your credit accounts and monitor your credit.
Reporting Problems With Your Credit Freeze
If you think Equifax isn’t placing your credit freeze properly, you can submit a complaint to the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau online or by calling 855-411-2372.
