Keep Identity Thieves Out in the Cold
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Using the New Security Freeze
Source: AARP.org | | February 17, 2006
Worried about identity theft?
It's a significant threat to our privacy, our financial stability, and, most importantly, our good names. But now in New Jersey, we have the most effective way to keep identity thieves out in the cold, thanks to the Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2005.
Acting Governor Richard Codey signed it into law September 2005; since then, New Jersey has enjoyed the strongest protection against the dangers of thieves preying on our vulnerable sensitive information. The law is so effective because it contains a provision for what is called a "security freeze."
A security freeze allows you to prevent access to your credit report. Even if an identity thief does manage to acquire your sensitive information, he or she can do nothing with it because potential creditors can't check your credit without your permission. So that new credit card, auto lease, or mortgage is never approved and your good name remains intact.
To enact a security freeze, contact each of the three credit bureaus listed below by certified or overnight mail, requesting that a freeze be put on your credit report. They will then mail a PIN code to you. This PIN code will be very important later on when you contact the agency in the future for matters concerning the security freeze and your account (such as lifting the freeze temporarily so an approved potential creditor can evaluate your credit report). Be sure to keep them organized with the agency phone numbers, addresses, and any communication you have with the bureaus - and keep all of this information in a safe place.
Some creditors may only use one of these companies to obtain information to evaluate creditworthiness, and some may use more than one; it is a good idea to request that all three put a security freeze on your report.
The contact information for each bureau is listed below.
Equifax 1-800-685-1111
Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30358
Experian 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion 1-800-916-8800
TransUnion Security Freeze
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
Until the Division of Consumer Affairs issues regulations, credit reporting agencies can take up to three days to thaw your credit report after receiving your request.
Because you must lift the freeze before any new account applications can be processed, you must plan ahead. Be sure to let potential creditors know that they must wait until the thaw is complete. Once the regulations have completely taken effect, you should be able to lift a freeze on your account within 15 minutes.
You may discover that you need to lift your freeze to complete transactions that you didn't realize would involve your credit report or credit score. For instance, auto dealers and landlords will check your credit before leasing a new car or apartment to you.
Eventually, it will not be a significant inconvenience to quickly lift and replace a freeze. Until then, we urge you to speak with the merchant about why they want to review your credit report or score and then decide if you really want to continue with the transaction you are considering.
As always, guard your sensitive information (Social Security number, credit card and debit card numbers, bank account numbers, medical information, etc.)
Never carry your Social Security card with you unless it is absolutely necessary (only for filling a prescription, for example).
Also, be discrete about giving that information to anyone over the phone or in public places.
Shred unnecessary documents that contain sensitive information with a cross-cut shredder and keep all other important documents in a safe place.
Remember: The security freeze and a few common-sense precautions can help keep you safe from losing control over your credit and your good name.
preview