It's As Easy As 1-2-3 to Place a Freeze on Your Credit
By: State: South Carolina
Under the new South Carolina law, the consumer reporting agency cannot charge consumers fees for placing, temporarily lifting or removing a security freeze. You can help others by downloading extra copies of the letter and sharing it with family, friends, and neighbors. Why not offer to help someone complete the forms as it is easy, free and can help prevent identity theft.
Step 1. How to "Freeze" Your Credit res
A security freeze means that your file cannot be shared with potential creditors. A security freeze can help prevent new account identity theft. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer's credit history. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number probably would not be able to obtain credit in your name. Step 2. How do I place a security freeze? To place a freeze in South Carolina, you may use the provided links for online service or write each of the three major consumer reporting agencies. Starting Dec. 31, 2008, there is no charge for consumers in South Carolina. Send a letter by regular or certified mail to each of the three credit reporting agencies—AARP has provided the online links or a letter you can download and print. Step 3. How long does it take for a security freeze to go into effect? After receiving your letter or inquiry, the consumer reporting agencies listed above will place a freeze on credit reports to potential creditors. The consumer reporting agencies must send you a confirmation letter containing a unique PIN (personal identification number) or password. Keep this PIN or password in a safe place. How To Contact The Credit Reporting Agencies Equifax Security Freeze Experian Security Freeze Trans Union Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
equifax.com
800-685-1111
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
experian.com
888-397-3742
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
transunion.com
888-909-8872
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