You can prevent identity theft by freezing your credit report. This process prevents creditors and lenders from pulling your credit report and score unless you first unlock it by providing a password. Since most credit applications require a credit check, chances are banks won’t give a thief an account in your name if you have your credit report frozen.
You must freeze your credit report at each credit bureau as there’s no centralized way to freeze all three credit reports. You must make your request in writing. Your request should include your name, address, date of birth, social security number, copy of a valid id, proof of address (e.g. copy of utility bill) and payment. Payment can be made via check or credit card.
Identity theft victims should provide proof of the theft, i.e. a copy of a police report, identity theft report, or DMV report. Don’t expect the credit bureau to return your correspondence. Send copies not originals of all documents. Mail your request via certified mail.
After the credit bureau receives your request, it will respond to you with confirmation that your credit report has been frozen. You will also receive a PIN or password to use whenever you need to temporarily unfreeze or permanently remove the freeze from your credit report.
Visit each credit bureau’s site for the security freeze mailing address and fee schedule for your state.
