Identity theft is increasing rapidly year after year. That is why, in the last few years, more and more consumers have been starting to take action, such as freezing their credit reports. Placing a security freeze on your credit report makes it very difficult for thieves to open new trade lines in your name. In order for a bank to issue a tradeline, they will need to view your credit report. Placing a security freeze makes that impossible.
This is all great if you do not want other people opening trade lines in your name. But how about if you yourself want to apply for a new credit card, mortgage, etc.? It’s not a problem! You can, at any time, unfreeze your credit report using a pin that was issued to you at the time you placed the freeze. But what happens if you lose the pin? Ouch! Now that is trouble. But don’t freak out. Here in this post, I will explain two ways you can unfreeze your credit reports, even without a pin!
Unfreeze online
You can unfreeze your credit reports online, with all three credit bureaus, without a security freeze pin. Be prepared to answer a list of security questions. These questions can sometimes be very comprehensive. For example, the most recent balances on your credit cards, or the last four digits of your bank account. Make sure to have all the information available before you start. Do not panic and slowly go through the process.
Here are the links to lift a security freeze online by all three credit bureaus without a pin.
Experian:
https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
Transunion:
https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
Equifax:
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/
By mail
The second and longer process to lift a security freeze without a pin is by snail mail. Mail a letter with supporting identification documents to the credit bureaus (it’s recommended to mail the letters with tracking). Documents needed may be: photo ID, proof of address, and for Equifax, you will need proof of your social security number as well. Check the credit bureaus websites for a list of acceptable documents.
Mail the letters to:
- Experian Security Freeze, PO Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
- Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
- TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022-2000
How long will it take for the freeze to be removed
If you request the credit freeze lift online, then it should be lifted within the hour. If you request the lift by mail, then the credit bureaus have up to 3 business days to lift the freeze.
In May 2018, congress signed the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. Thanks to the ACT you can now freeze and unfreeze your credit report...
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