How to Freeze Your Credit: A Guide for UMe Members
At UMe, we love helping our members protect their financial well-being and achieve their goals. One effective way to safeguard your financial future is by freezing your credit. This simple action can make a big difference in preventing identity theft and maintaining your financial security. Freezing your credit is an easy process that restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
What is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, stops new creditors from seeing your credit report. This makes it hard for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. It doesn’t affect your credit score, and you can still access your own report.
Why Should You Freeze Your Credit?
Freezing your credit helps prevent identity theft. If your personal info has been stolen or you’re worried it might be, freezing your credit can give you peace of mind. It’s also useful if you’re not planning to apply for new credit soon.
How to Freeze Your Credit
- Contact the Credit Bureaus: You need to request a freeze with each of the three main credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail.
- Equifax: Visit their website, call 1-800-685-1111, or mail a request to Equifax, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788.
- Experian: Visit their website, call 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742), or mail a request to Experian, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.
- TransUnion: Visit their website, call 1-888-909-8872, or mail a request to TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016.
- Provide Necessary Info: You’ll need to provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and a few other details to verify your identity.
- Get Confirmation: Once processed, the credit bureau will give you a confirmation and a PIN or password. Keep this info safe because you’ll need it to lift the freeze.
Temporarily Lifting a Credit Freeze
If you need to apply for new credit, you’ll have to temporarily lift the freeze. You can do this by contacting the credit bureau and providing your PIN or password. You can specify how long you want the freeze lifted or which creditor needs access.
How UMe Can Help U Save
At UMe Credit Union, we’re here to support U and your financial goals. Take a look at some of our most popular products and services…
- UMe Visa Rewards Credit Card: Earn rewards on everyday purchases while enjoying great benefits.
- Auto Loans and Refinancing: Get competitive rates to finance a new car — or refinance your current auto loan, lowering your rate and payment.
- Autoland Service: Our convenient car-buying service helps you find and buy the perfect vehicle for U. Autoland will even buy your current car, even if U don’t purchase a car through them! 😊
Want to know more or need help? Call or email us today!
Disclaimer: U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!