I put a freeze on my account so that people who manage to get my name, social security number and address won't be able to take out loans in my name, if they don't ask me for my pin I don't see any point in freezing it in the first place- you would think that Equifax would be more secure about this given their recent data breach. If the number I called was authentic it is also a little concerning that Equifax will lift my freeze with so little information. I just find the entire transaction with the first number was really weird and different than I would expect from Equifax. Download this form for mailing instructions. To place a freeze on your Equifax credit report, create a myEquifax account, call (888) 298-0045, or send a written request via U.S. I found another number that can be called to lift an Equifax credit freeze, and this one was automated and said I already had my freeze lifted- so I suppose the number I called actually lifted my credit freeze. Placing, temporarily lifting and permanently removing a security freeze (also known as a credit freeze) on your credit reports is free. My web browser identifies it as an authentic website, and the site looks real, but I know phishing scams can be very convincing sometimes. I said I won't give them any information they don't need. I asked them why and they said they don't need it, but they will take it if I want them to. They never asked for the pin that I got when I froze my credit score. When I called them I spoke to a person who asked me for my name, address, SSN, etc. I tried to log into my account and it failed, and I called a number that the website provided (image below). I went on Equifax's website to lift a credit freeze so that I can apply for a loan. I"m not sure if this is the right sub to ask this, so if it isn't I apologize in advance. Here, please treat others with respect, stay on-topic, and avoid self-promotion.Īlways do your own research before acting on any information or advice that you read on Reddit. Get your financial house in order, learn how to better manage your money, and invest for your future. Banking Megathread: FDIC, NCUA, and your cash.Private communication is not safe on Reddit. Scam alert: Ignore any private messages or chat requests.When it comes time to open a new line of credit-for instance, if you apply for a new credit card-you’ll need to lift the freeze to give the creditor access to your file. You’ll need to lift a freeze to give a creditor access to your credit file.For example, you’ll have to contact all three credit bureaus. It requires some effort to place, lift, or remove a credit freeze. If you forget or lose your PIN, you’ll have to take extra steps to get a new one. If you want to lift or freeze your credit reports, you are required to provide your PIN. That means fraudsters could make charges on a payment card in your wallet. It doesn't prevent thieves from accessing your existing accountsĪ credit freeze can help prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name, but it does nothing to keep them from committing fraud with your existing accounts.We’ve waded through the Cyber Monday marketing hype to find the best. Here are a few disadvantages of placing a freeze on your credit files. The 10+ Best Cyber Monday Vacuum Deals: Robot, Stick, Carpet Cleaners. This is because identity thieves will be unable to open new lines of credit in your name, although they may still be able to misuse your existing accounts if they gain access to them. If you have been a victim of identity theft and have placed a freeze on your credit, you may experience fewer instances of attempted fraud involving your personal information. It helps protect you against some types of identity fraud.It’s still important to monitor your credit use and make payments on time to keep your score from falling. A credit freeze prevents lenders from checking your credit file.įreezing your credit has no effect on your credit score. But this doesn’t mean that a credit freeze blocks your score from regular changes. That’s because lenders usually check your credit file to see if you’re a good credit risk and likely to pay back the loan.
If a fraudster tries to open a credit line, they will be blocked.
No one will be able to open new lines of credit or other accounts that require a credit check in your name.
Here are a few benefits of placing a freeze on your credit files.Īt one time you might have had to pay a fee to freeze or unfreeze your credit files.