You have the right in all 50 states to freeze credit reports. You can also freeze your own credit report and that of your spouse or child. Visit the Equifax website for more information. They will inform you of the applicable laws in your state and will guide you through each step.
Freeze your credit report in any 50 states
Identity theft can be prevented by setting up free credit freezes. Although free credit freezes are simple to set up, you will need to register with each credit bureau separately. To do this, visit their websites and enter your name. Your request can be submitted by mail or phone. You may be asked to give your previous address by credit bureaus if you've lived at the current address for less that two years.
You can freeze your credit report for a spouse, child, parent or incapacitated adult
First, notify credit bureaus you wish to freeze your credit report. You can do this by phone or online. The freeze lasts for three business days. If you need it lifted earlier, you can request the extension by mail. New creditors will have access to the credit report once the freeze has been lifted.
Credit reports can be frozen for incapacitated or minors
You can freeze credit reports of anyone you worry about, such as a child or disabled adult who is obtaining credit cards. This can be done online, or by telephone. However, if you're worried about someone else seeing your child's information, you should do it through a credit freeze company. These agencies must place a freeze within one day of receiving your request.
Your credit report can be frozen in favor of a spouse
It is a great way to prevent financial abuse from your spouse by freezing their credit reports. A credit freeze for a spouse is a good way to stop the ex-spouse registering new accounts under your name. There are several methods to apply for a credit freeze.
A relative who is deceased can put a freeze on your credit report
Dealing with financial affairs after the death of a loved one can be very difficult. It is important to handle this process as quickly as possible, as the deceased's finances can have long-lasting effects on surviving family members. The estate administration process is much easier if you ask for a credit freeze to be placed on the credit report of a loved one. This can prevent fraudulent activity from happening and allow the estate administrator to examine all accounts.
Your credit report can be frozen to help a child.
To protect your child's financial credit, you can freeze his credit report. A child can place a temporary freeze on their credit report online. If they need to borrow money or apply for credit, they can temporarily lift it. You can help your child's credit by recording their personal identification number (and password) so that you can retrieve it in an emergency.
For a parent, you can freeze credit reports
The best way to guard against identity theft is to freeze a child’s credit report. All three major credit agencies can issue freezes to parents. The bureaus won't be able access the child’s report but they won't be able view it. It is important that parents prepare their children for the transition by teaching them how to monitor credit and how to protect themselves against identity theft. Take the time to think through all of the possibilities and figure out what you can do. It is important to note passwords and PINs in order to protect your child's accounts. If you need to provide information in an emergency, you can give your child the password or pin.