Protecting Your Identity with a Credit Freeze

By freezing your credit report, you can safeguard yourself against identity theft by blocking potential fraudsters from opening new accounts under your name. When your credit report is frozen, the credit bureau will not disclose your credit information to lenders seeking it for approval. If you wish to allow access to your information, you will need to unfreeze your credit.

Freezing Your TransUnion Credit Report

TransUnion, along with Equifax and Experian, is one of the major U.S. credit bureaus that collect and sell consumer credit information. Freezing your TransUnion credit report signals to the bureau not to share your credit information with other entities, effectively preventing unauthorized credit account openings.

Online: The quickest method to freeze your TransUnion credit report is online. After providing your personal details to create an online TransUnion account, you can verify your identity and proceed to freeze your credit report, ensuring to have your Social Security number on hand.

By Phone: Alternatively, you can call TransUnion at (888)-909-8872 to freeze your credit report if you prefer not to provide information online or create an account.

By Mail: To freeze your TransUnion credit report via mail, simply send your name, address, and Social Security number to TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094.

Freezing a Minor's TransUnion Credit Report: You can also freeze a minor child's TransUnion credit report by submitting a written request for a "protected consumer freeze" along with required documentation of proof of authority.

Lifting and Unfreezing Your Credit Report

After creating an online account with TransUnion, you can easily unfreeze your credit report, grant lenders access, or refreeze it as needed without any additional charges. Simply call TransUnion at (888)-909-8872 or write to the provided address.

Additionally, TransUnion offers a subscription service for locking and unlocking your credit report through a mobile app, which differs from a credit freeze with its monthly fee and different legal regulations.

Consider a Fraud Alert Instead

In addition to credit freezes, consumers can opt for Fraud Alerts that require verifications before accessing credit history for new account openings, offering an alternate protection method.

What Freezing Your TransUnion Credit Report Won't Do: While most businesses won't be able to check your frozen credit report, existing account holders, collection agencies working with previous lenders, and government agencies with appropriate orders may access the information. Prescreened credit or insurance offers may still be received despite the freeze.

Reporting Credit Freeze Issues

If you encounter any problems with your credit freeze request, you can submit a complaint to the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau online or by calling 855-411-2372 to ensure proper implementation by TransUnion.