Freeze Your Credit, Protect Your Identity
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-12-19 12:55:59.392300-05:00
The Credit Freeze Act—state legislation supported by AARP Wisconsin that takes effect Jan. 1, 2007—will provide Wisconsin consumers with a basic protection against credit and identify theft. The bill, authored by Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) and improved with the help of AARP Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WisPIRG), will empower consumers to have control over their credit report. No one other than the individual will be able to get new credit under the freeze. Placing a freeze can help stop thieves from assuming your identity, and then taking advantage of credit mechanisms to run up massive debt in your name.
Under the new law, you can freeze your credit and can also “thaw” your credit. If you plan to go out and buy a car or get a new credit card, you can request that the freeze be lifted for a short period of time.
Unlike in some other states, you do not have to be a victim or suspect that you have had your identity stolen to place a freeze. However, you do not have to pay for a freeze if you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft and can supply the credit bureaus with a police report proving that identifying documents have been stolen.
For a full “how to” including a form letter and list of frequently asked questions, go to the Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protection Web site. In general, here is what you need to do to freeze your credit:
- Send the following information via certified letter or overnight mail to each of the three credit bureaus listed below requesting a freeze and proving your identity by including the following:
- Your full name, including your middle initial
- A copy of your social security card or W2 form
- A copy of a driver’s license or government issued identification
- A copy of a utility bill, bank or insurance statement with your current address
- Under the new law the bureaus can charge up to $10 for placing a freeze. Check with the credit bureaus to see how much they charge. Remember, send a check or money order. Don’t send cash.
- No later than 5 business days after you supply the credit bureau with the required information, the bureau will confirm the freeze and provide you with a unique personal identification number or password for you to use in case you wish to thaw your report in the future. Make sure you keep that information in a secure place.
“Freezing your credit means denying a thief access to your credit report,” said AARP Wisconsin’s State Advocacy Director Gail Sumi. “Without that access no one can pretend to be you and then apply for new credit. If you need to apply for new credit, you can remove the freeze for as long as necessary. This new law will help everyone who takes advantage of it more secure.”
For more on Wisconsin’s privacy and identity theft laws, visit the Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protection Web site.
United States Credit Reporting Agencies:
- Equifax
- Report fraud: 800-525-6285
- Order copy of report:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Or call: 800-685-1111 - Dispute information in report:
P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
Or call the phone number provided in your credit report or write: Equifax Options, P.O. Box 740123, Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
- Experian
- Report fraud:
By phone: 888-397-3742
By mail: Experian National Consumer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 9530
Allen, TX 75013 - Order copy of report:
Experian National Consumer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
Or call: 888-397-3742
- Report fraud:
- TransUnion
- Report fraud: 800-680-7289
- Order copy of report:
P.O. Box 390
Springfield, PA 19064
Or call: 800-916-8800
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