Fraud Alerts & Freezes

To protect yourself from possible identity theft, you may consider placing either a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit file.

A fraud alert helps protect you against the possibility of an identity thief opening new credit accounts in your name. When a merchant checks the credit history of someone applying for credit, the merchant gets a notice that the applicant may be a victim of identity theft. The alert notifies the merchant to take steps to verify the identity of the applicant. You can report potential identity theft to all three of the major credit bureaus by calling any one of the toll-free fraud numbers below. You will reach an automated telephone system that allows you to flag your file with a fraud alert at all three bureaus.

P.O. Box 105069

Atlanta, GA 30348-5069
800-525-6285

P.O. Box 1017

Allen, TX 75013

888-397-3742

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, PA 19022-2000

800-680-7289

You could also consider putting a “security freeze” or credit freeze on your credit file. A security freeze will generally prevent creditors from accessing your credit file at the three nationwide credit reporting agencies without your consent. However, please be aware that doing so may delay, prevent, or otherwise interfere with you getting approved for new loans, credit mortgages, employment, housing, or other services in a timely manner. After receiving your request, the credit bureaus will generally place a security freeze on your credit report within three days. To request a freeze, contact and place an order with each of the following credit agencies:

P.O. Box 105788

Atlanta, GA 30348

800-525-6285

P.O. Box 9554

Allen, TX 75013

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, PA 19022-2000

800-680-7289

The credit agencies may charge a reasonable fee to place a security freeze. You will need to provide the following information when requesting a security freeze:

At some point after placing a security freeze on your file, you may want to temporarily lift it so that a specific entity or individual can access your credit report. You can specify how long you want the freeze to be lifted by either accessing your account or filling out a form online. Temporarily lifting the freeze will allow you to apply with multiple lenders in order to get the best rate, as long as the applications are processed within the time frame you specified.

Additional Information for Massachusetts Residents:

Placing a Credit Freeze: Massachusetts law also allows consumers to place a security freeze on their credit reports. See the description above about what a security freeze does and how to order them with each credit reporting agency. Under Massachusetts law, if you have been a victim of identity theft, and you provide the credit reporting agency with a valid police report, it cannot charge you to place, lift, or remove a security freeze. In all other cases, a credit reporting agency may charge you up to $5.00 each to place, temporarily lift, or permanently remove a security freeze.

Obtaining Police Reports: You have the right to obtain a police report relating to this incident. If you are the victim of identity theft, you also have the right to file a police report and obtain a copy of it.

Helpful Contacts: You can learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft by contacting the Federal Trade Commission to obtain additional information about how to avoid identity theft, how to place a fraud alert, and how to place a security freeze on your credit report.

To permanently remove a security freeze you can submit an online request, call the credit agency or send a written request by mail. After receiving your request, the credit agencies will remove the security freeze within a couple of days.

600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20580

1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)

For Iowa residents: You may also contact local law enforcement or the Iowa Attorney General’s Office to report suspected incidents of identity theft. You can reach the Iowa Attorney General at:

1305 E. Walnut Street

Des Moines, IA 50319

515-281-5164

For residents of Maryland: You may also obtain information about preventing and avoiding identity theft from the:

200 St. Paul Place,

Baltimore, MD 21202

1-888-743-0023

https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/

For residents of North Carolina: You may also obtain information about preventing and avoiding identity theft from the:

North Carolina Attorney General’s Office

9001 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-9001

1-919-716-6400