Your credit report can be frozen in any of the 50 US states. You can also freeze your own credit report and that of your spouse or child. To get started, visit the Equifax website. They will tell you which state's laws are applicable, and they will explain the process step by step.
In all 50 States, you can free-frozen your credit reports
Free credit freezes are a great way to protect yourself from identity theft. It is easy to create free credit freezes, but you must sign up for each credit bureau separately. Visit their websites to register your name, address and social security number. You can also submit your request in writing or by phone. If you have lived in your current address for less then two years, some credit agencies may request that you provide your former address.
You can freeze your credit report for a spouse, child, parent or incapacitated adult
The first step to freezing your credit report is to notify the credit agencies that you want it to be frozen. You can either call or go online to do this. The freeze will remain in place for three working days. You can request to be lifted earlier by mailing. Credit reports will be available to new creditors after the freeze is lifted.
You can put a freeze on your credit report in order to help a child or incapacitated adult.
You can freeze credit reports if you are concerned about your child or an incapacitated person securing credit cards. This can be done online, or by telephone. If you are concerned about your child's identity being seen by others, you can do this through a credit freeze agency. Federal law requires these agencies to place a freeze within one business day, and you can request that they lift the freeze within a certain amount of time.
You can freeze your credit report for a spouse
Protect yourself from financial abuse by freezing a spouse's credit report. A credit freeze is an excellent way to stop your ex-spouse opening new accounts in you name if you have separated. There are many options to apply for a credit freeze.
A relative who is deceased can put a freeze on your credit report
The process of dealing with the financial affairs of a deceased loved one can be extremely difficult. As the financial assets of the deceased may have long-lasting implications for surviving family members, it's important to act quickly. Therefore, requesting a credit freeze on a deceased relative's report is an important step to take early in the estate administration process. The freeze can help prevent any fraudulent activity and give the estate administrator time to review all accounts.
You can freeze your credit report for a child
You can place a freeze on your child's credit report to protect their credit. A child can place a standard freeze on their credit report online, and they can also temporarily lift it if they need to apply for a loan or credit. You can help your child's credit by recording their personal identification number (and password) so that you can retrieve it in an emergency.
A parent can put a freeze on your credit report
Protecting your child's identity against identity theft by freezing their credit report is a wise precaution. All three major credit agencies can issue freezes to parents. These bureaus will not be able to access the child's report, but they will not be able to view it. Children should be taught credit monitoring and other ways to prevent identity theft by their parents. Consider the potential problems and what you can do for your child. For example, it's important to record any passwords and PINs for your child's accounts. You can give the password and PIN to your child in an emergency.