One of the best ways to prevent fraudsters from accessing your credit report is by freezing your credit. By freezing your credit, no one can access your credit reports, which helps to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your knowledge. The process of freezing your credit with TransUnion is pretty straightforward. Follow along with our step-by-step guide to learn how to freeze your TransUnion credit report.
What Is a TransUnion Credit Freeze?
A TransUnion credit freeze restricts access to credit reports in order to prevent identity theft. This is because, with a credit freeze, no one can access your credit report, which is how fraudsters open new accounts in your name without your knowledge.
What Is the Purpose of a Credit Freeze?
The purpose of a credit freeze is to restrict access to your credit reports in order to prevent identity theft. This helps protect you from fraudsters who are trying to open new accounts in your name without your knowledge. By freezing your credit, no one can access your credit reports, making it much more difficult for someone to commit fraud using your information.
It is important to note that a TransUnion credit freeze will not protect against all forms of fraud or identity theft. It is recommended that you continue to monitor your account activity and report any suspicious activity immediately.
If you are the victim of identity theft, contact TransUnion immediately so that they can assist you with the process of filing a dispute and restoring your credit. Learn more about what is a credit freeze.
What’s the Difference Between a Credit Freeze and a Credit Lock?
While credit freeze and credit lock serve the same purpose of safeguarding against identity theft and fraud, there are some distinctions between them. Credit freeze refers to the authorized ban imposed on your credit report, which stops everyone, including legitimate businesses and individuals as well as fraudsters, from accessing it unless you grant your approval.
A credit lock, on the other hand, is a tool provided by credit bureaus like Equifax that allows you to instantly lock and unlock your credit report using a smartphone app or website. Unlike a freeze, a lock does not have a legal basis or enforceable rights under the law. It is merely a voluntary service provided by the credit bureau, and the terms and fees may vary.
When to Freeze Your Credit
If you suspect that someone may have accessed your personal information due to a data breach or any other reason, you can take control of the situation by requesting a credit freeze. Your freeze request should be filed with all three credit bureaus, namely TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.
In the instance where you have not experienced any suspicious activity, you may still want to consider freezing your credit as a means to help to prevent fraud and identity theft. This is because the benefit of freezing your credit is that it stops criminals from using your name and Social Security Number to apply for new credit accounts and loans.
It’s also worth noting that freezing your credit has no impact on your credit score. Nor do credit freeze interfere with your existing accounts, so it doesn’t impact your ability to use any credit cards or credit lines that you already have open.
How Much Does It Cost to Freeze Credit With TransUnion?
It’s free to request a credit freeze with TransUnion. It’s also free to unfreeze your credit report with TransUnion.
How to Freeze Your TransUnion Credit Report Online
The fastest way to freeze your TransUnion credit report is by freezing it via the TransUnion website. To start, navigate to TransUnion. If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one by completing a short online form. After creating and verifying your account, log in and place a freeze from your user dashboard.
How to Freeze Your TransUnion Credit Report By Phone
To freeze your TransUnion credit by phone, call 1-888-909-8872. Once you’ve been connected to a representative, request a credit freeze. You will then be asked a series of questions to verify your identity.
How to Freeze Your TransUnion Credit Report By Mail
Last, but not least–though definitely the slowest method–is mail.
To request a credit freeze by mail, print and complete a copy of TransUnion’s Credit Freeze Form from its website. Be sure to fill out the form completely, and include any required supporting documentation (i.e., a copy of a government-issued ID).
Send via registered mail to:
TransUnion LLC
Attn: Security Freeze Department
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094
Once TransUnion receives and processed your credit freeze request, you will receive a letter in the mail with your PIN.
How to Unfreeze Your Credit With TransUnion
Before freezing your credit, it’s a good idea to also understand how to unfreeze your credit so that when you’re ready to apply for new credit, you know what to do. To unfreeze your credit with TransUnion, you will need to contact the bureau directly by phone (1-888-909-8872) or via its online portal to unfreeze your credit yourself.
Bottom Line
In addition to freezing your TransUnion credit, be sure to also freeze your credit with Experian and Equifax for maximum protection. While a credit freeze is a good step toward safeguarding your identity and finances, it’s key to stay vigilant even if you have initiated a credit freeze. Regularly monitor your accounts, enroll for alerts on transactions, and take swift action if you detect any data breach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you lock your credit with TransUnion?
Yes, TransUnion allows users to lock their credit TransUnion credit report. You can lock yours via your online TransUnion account dashboard or by phone at 1-888-909-8872.
Does freezing your credit impact your credit score?
No, freezing your credit has no impact on your credit score, including your FICO score.
Is there a fee to freeze your credit?
No, there is no cost to freeze your credit with any of the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax). Learn more about Experian vs Equifax vs TransUnion.