Re: Freezing your credit and protecting your identity

[Guest guest]

If I were worried about my credit, I would go to this site, check out

how to freeze my credit ( I did this long ago) and protect people

from opening any accounts in my name.

http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html

In Colorado it was free, in some states there is a nominal fee. If

you wish to open an account, you simply pay a one time small fee for

that creditior to check your credit. It is by far the best chance

most of us have to avoid identity theft and have others open accounts

in our names.

Lynda

There are more than eight million new victims of identity theft each

year in the U.S. Many of these victims find that crooks have used

stolen personal information like Social Security numbers to open new

accounts in their victim's name. A security freeze gives consumers

the choice to " freeze " or lock access to their credit file against

anyone trying to open up a new account or to get new credit in their name.

When a security freeze is in place at all three major credit bureaus,

an identity thief cannot open a new account because the potential

creditor or seller of services will not be able to check the credit

file. When the consumer is applying for credit, he or she can lift

the freeze temporarily using a PIN so legitimate applications for

credit or services can be processed. For more information, see:

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/005081.html>Frequentl\

y

Asked Questions about the security freeze. To help you decide if

getting a security freeze is right for you,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/SecurityFreeze-Consider.pdf>click here.

States That Have Adopted Security Freeze Laws:

Forty-three states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws

requiring the credit bureaus to enable consumers to protect their

credit files with a security freeze.

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#AZ>Arizona,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#AK>Arkansas\

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#AK>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#CA>Californ\

ia<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#CA>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#CO>Colorado\

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#CO>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#CT>Connecti\

cut<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#CT>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#DE>Delaware\

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#DE>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#DC>District

of

Columbia<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#DC>\

,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#FL>Florida<\

http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#FL>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#HI>Hawaii,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#ID>Idaho,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#IN>Indiana<\

http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#IN>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#IL>Illinois\

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#IL>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#KS>Kansas<h\

ttp://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#KS>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#KY>Kentucky\

,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#LA>Louisian\

a<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#LA>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#ME>Maine<ht\

tp://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#ME>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MD>land\

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MD>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MA>Massachu\

setts<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MA>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MN>Minnesot\

a<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MN>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MS>Mississi\

ppi,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MT>Montana<\

http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MT>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NE>Nebraska\

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NE>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NV>Nevada<h\

ttp://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NV>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NH>New

Hampshire<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NH\

>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NJ>New

Jersey<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NJ>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NM>New

Mexico<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NM>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NY>New

York,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NC>North

Carolina<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#NC>\

,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#ND>North

Dakota<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#ND>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#OK>Oklahoma\

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#OK>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#OR>Oregon,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#PA>Pennsylv\

ania,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#RI>Rhode

Island<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#RI>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#SC>South

Carolina<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#SC>\

,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#SD>South

Dakota<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#SD>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#TN>Tennesse\

e<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#TN>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#TX>Texas<ht\

tp://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#TX>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#UT>Utah<htt\

p://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#UT>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#VT>Vermont,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#WA>Washingt\

on,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#WV>West

Virginia<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#WV>\

,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#WI>Wisconsi\

n<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#WI>,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#WY>Wyoming<\

http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#AZ>

Click to enlarge:

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/images/security-freeze-map-big.jpg>

security freeze map

Security Freeze Will Be Available In All Other States On November 1, 2007

By November 1, 2007, the security freeze will be offered voluntarily

by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to consumers living in the nine

states that have not yet adopted security freeze laws

(<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#AL>Alabama\

,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#AK>Alaska,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#GA>Georgia,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#IA>Iowa,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MI>Michigan\

,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#MO>Missouri\

,

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#OH>Ohio,

and

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html#VA>Virginia\

).

The freeze also will be available to all consumers in the four states

with laws that limit this protection to identity theft victims only

(Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, and South Dakota). In order to

effectively freeze access to your credit files, you must request the

security freeze at all three major credit bureaus.

Guide to the Security Freeze By State

PLEASE NOTE: Consumers Union has provided the following templates as

general guidelines on how to place the security freeze in your state.

However, we strongly recommend that you also check with the three

major credit reporting agencies

(<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/sec\

urityFreeze.page>TransUnion,

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Equifax

and

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Experian)

to ensure you are submitting the proper documents when placing and

using the security freeze.

Alabama

Alabama is one of seven states that has not passed a law requiring

the availability of the security freeze. However, as of November 1,

2007, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all making the freeze

available voluntarily to Alabama residents. In order to effectively

freeze access to your credit files, you must request the security

freeze at all three major credit bureaus.

Eligibility: All Consumers

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place,

temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date: November 1, 2007 at all three major credit reporting agencies

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

Alaska

Alaska is one of seven states that has not passed a law requiring the

availability of the security freeze. However, as of November 1, 2007,

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all making the freeze available

voluntarily to Alaska residents. In order to effectively freeze

access to your credit files, you must request the security freeze at

all three major credit bureaus.

Eligibility: All Consumers

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place,

temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date: November 1, 2007 at all three major credit reporting agencies

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

Arizona (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims with police reports. All

others pay a $5 fee to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or

remove it altogether. $5 PIN replacement fee.

Effective date of law: August 31, 2008

<http://www.azcapitolreports.com/webreport.cfm?webreport=180 & listid=11280 & print=\

true>Copy

of Arizona's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityAZ.pdf>Instructions

for using Arizona's security freeze law

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

Arkansas (security freeze rights for identity theft victims

established by state law)

Eligibility: Identity theft victims. As of November 1, 2007, the

security freeze will be offered by all three major credit bureaus

voluntarily to all consumers.

Fees: $10 to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether

Effective date of law: January 1, 2008

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/bills/2007/public/HB2215.pdf>Copy

of Arkansas' security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityAR.pdf>Instructions

for using Arkansas' security freeze law

California (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place,

temporarily lift or remove the freeze; $12 fee to temporarily lift

the freeze for a specific creditor.

Effective date of law: January 1, 2003

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=civ & group=01001-02000 & fil\

e=1785.10-1785.19.5%20>Copy

of California's security freeze law

<http://www.privacyprotection.ca.gov/sheets/cis10securityfreeze.htm>Instructions

for using California's security freeze law

Colorado (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fee for the first freeze; $10 to lift the freeze

temporarily, or to remove it altogether. $12 to temporarily lift the

freeze for a specific creditor. $10 to place a second freeze.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2006

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics2005a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/349195C4D17F1A7787256\

F8E0001202B?Open & file=137_enr.pdf>Copy

of Colorado's security freeze law

<http://www.ago.state.co.us/idtheft/securityfreeze.cfm>Instructions

for using Colorado's security freeze law from the Colorado Attorney General

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityCO.pdf>Instructions

for using Colorado's security freeze law

Connecticut (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: $10 to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it

altogether; $12 to lift it temporarily for a specific creditor

Effective date of law: January 1, 2006

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/CT_security_%20freeze_law.pdf>Copy

of Connecticut's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityCT.pdf>Instructions

for using Connecticut's security freeze law

Delaware (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. All others pay $20 to place

the freeze, but no fees to lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: September 28, 2006

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://delcode.delaware.gov/sessionlaws/ga143/chp328.shtml>Copy of

Delaware's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityDE.pdf>Instructions

for using Delaware's security freeze law

District of Columbia (security freeze rights established by D.C. law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place

the freeze, but no fees to lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/images/00001/20061218135957.pdf>Copy

of the District of Columbia's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityDC.pdf>Instructions

for using the District of Columbia's security freeze law

Florida (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims and seniors 65 years and

older. All others pay $10 to place the freeze, lift it temporarily,

or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2006

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0037er\

..doc & DocumentType=Bill & BillNumber=0037 & Session=2006>Copy

of Florida's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityFL.pdf>Instructions

for using Florida's security freeze law

Georgia

Georgia is one of seven states that has not passed a law requiring

the availability of the security freeze. However, as of November 1,

2007, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all making the freeze

available voluntarily to Georgia residents. In order to effectively

freeze access to your credit files, you must request the security

freeze at all three major credit bureaus.

Eligibility: All Consumers

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place,

temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date: November 1, 2007 at all three major credit reporting agencies

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

Hawaii (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims. All others pay $5 to place

the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: Original law limited to identity theft victims

was effective January 1, 2007. All consumers became eligible for the

security freeze on June 15, 2007.

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/HI_security_%20freeze_law.pdf>Copy

of Hawaii's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityHI.pdf>Instructions

for using Hawaii's security freeze law

Idaho (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims with police reports. All

others pay a $6 fee to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or

remove it altogether. $10 PIN replacement fee.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2008

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/ID_security_freeze_law.pdf>Copy

of Idaho's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityID.pdf>Instructions

for using Idaho's security freeze law

Until July 1, 2008, you must request the security freeze at all three

major credit bureaus. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all

making the freeze available voluntarily to Arizona residents until

the Arizona law goes into effect.

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

Illinois (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims with police reports and

seniors 65 years and older. All others pay a $10 fee to place the

freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: January 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=081505050K2MM>Copy

of Illinois' security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityIL.pdf>Instructions

for using Illinois' security freeze law

Indiana (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fee to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it

altogether.

Effective date of law: September 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2007/ES/ES0403.2.html>Copy of

Indiana's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityIN.pdf>Instructions

for using Indiana's security freeze law

Iowa

Iowa is one of seven states that has not passed a law requiring the

availability of the security freeze. However, as of November 1, 2007,

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all making the freeze available

voluntarily to Iowa residents. In order to effectively freeze access

to your credit files, you must request the security freeze at all

three major credit bureaus.

Eligibility: All Consumers

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place,

temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date: November 1, 2007 at all three major credit reporting agencies

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

Kansas (security freeze rights for identity theft victims established

by state law)

Eligibility: Identity theft victims only. As of November 1, 2007, the

security freeze will be offered by all three major credit bureaus

voluntarily to all consumers.

Fees: No fees permitted by law for identity theft victims. All others

pay $10 to place, temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date of law: January 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2006/196.pdf>Copy of Kansas'

security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityKS.pdf>Instructions

for using Kansas' security freeze law

Kentucky (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims who provide a police report.

All others pay $10 to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or

remove it altogether. $10 to have PIN reissued.

Effective date of law: July 11, 2006

Note: Security freeze automatically expires after 7 years from date

of placement.

<http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/06RS/HB54.htm>Copy of Kentucky's

security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityKY.pdf>Instructions

for using Kentucky's security freeze law

Louisiana (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims or person aged 62 years and

older. All others pay $10 to place the freeze, or $8 to lift it

temporarily. No fee to remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2005

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.legis.state.la.us/leg_docs/04RS/CVT4/OUT/0000LW18.PDF>Copy

of Louisiana's security freeze law

<http://www.ag.state.la.us/Shared/ViewDoc.aspx?Type=2 & Doc=113>Instructions

for using Louisiana's security freeze law

Maine (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims who provide a police report.

All others pay up to $10 to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or

remove it altogether. $10 to have PIN reissued, and $12 to lift the

freeze temporarily for a specific creditor.

Effective date of law: February 1, 2006

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/externalsiteframe.asp?ID=280015326 & L\

D=581 & Type=1 & SessionID=6>Copy

of Maine's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityME.pdf>Instructions

for using Maine's security freeze law

land (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims who provide report of

alleged identity fraud or with an identity theft passport. All others

pay $5 to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: January 1, 2008

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/bills/sb/sb0052e.pdf>Copy of

land's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityMD.pdf>Instructions

for using land's security freeze law

Massachusetts (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims or victim's spouse. $5 to

place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether

Effective date of law: February 3, 2008

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/MA_security_freeze_law.pdf>Copy

of Massachusetts' security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityMA.pdf>Instructions

for using Massachusetts' security freeze law

Michigan

Michigan is one of seven states that has not passed a law requiring

the availability of the securitry freeze. However, as of November 1,

2007, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all making the freeze

available voluntarily to Michigan residents. In order to effectively

freeze access to your credit files, you must request the security

freeze at all three major credit bureaus.

Eligibility: All Consumers

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place,

temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date: November 1, 2007 at all three major credit reporting agencies

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

Minnesota (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims who provide police report.

All others pay $5 to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove

it altogether.

Effective date of law: August 1, 2006

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S2002.4.html & session=ls\

84>Copy

of Minnesota's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityMN.pdf>Instructions

for using Minnesota's security freeze law

Mississippi (security freeze rights for identity theft victims

established by state law)

Eligibility: Identity theft victims with a police report,

investigative report or complaint filed with a law enforcement

agency. As of November 1, 2007, the security freeze will be offered

by all three major credit bureaus voluntarily to all consumers in Mississippi.

Fees: $10 to place a freeze for identity theft victims. All others

pay $10 to place, temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2007/html/SB/3000-3099/SB3034SG.htm>\

Copy

of Mississippi's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityMS.pdf>Instructions

for using Mississippi's security freeze law

Missouri

Missouri is one of seven states that has not passed a law requiring

the availability of the securitry freeze. However, as of November 1,

2007, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all making the freeze

available voluntarily to Missouri residents. In order to effectively

freeze access to your credit files, you must request the security

freeze at all three major credit bureaus.

Eligibility: All Consumers

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place,

temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date: November 1, 2007 at all three major credit reporting agencies

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

Montana (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims. All others pay $3 to place

the freeze or to lift it temporarily. $5 to have PIN reissued. No fee

to remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2007

<http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2007/billpdf/SB0116.pdf>Copy of

Montana's security freeze law

<http://www.doj.mt.gov/consumer/consumer/securityfreeze.asp#usingsecurityfreeze>\

Instructions

for using Montana's security freeze law from Montana's Department of Justice

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityMT.pdf>Instructions

for using Montana's security freeze law

Nebraska (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims and minors. All others pay a

one time $15 fee to place the freeze. No fee for lifting the freeze

temporarily or removing it altogether.

Effective: September 1, 2007

Note: Security freeze automatically expires after 7 years from date

of placement.

<http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB674.pdf>Copy

of Nebraska's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityNE.pdf>Instructions

for using Nebraska's security freeze law

Nevada (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims who submit a police report.

All others pay $15 to place the freeze, $18 to lift it temporarily or

remove it altogether. $20 to lift it temporarily for a specific creditor.

Effective date of law: October 1, 2005

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/NV_security_%20freeze_law.pdf>Copy

of Nevada's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityNV.pdf>Instructions

for using Nevada's security freeze law

New Hampshire (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims who submit a copy of a

police report, investigative

report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency. All others pay $10

to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

Effective date of the law: January 1, 2007

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/NH_security_%20freeze_law.pdf>Copy

of New Hampshire's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityNH.pdf>Instructions

for using New Hampshire's security freeze law

New Jersey (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fee to place the first security freeze. $5 fee to lift the

freeze temporarily, remove it altogether, or to have PIN reissued.

Note: Consumers are also permitted to make such requests directly to

consumer reporting

agencies via secured electronic mail.

Effective date of law: January 1, 2006

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2004/Bills/S2000/1914_R1.PDF>Copy of

New Jersey's security freeze law

<http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/creditfreeze.htm#1>Instructions for

using New Jersey's security freeze law from NJ's Dept of Banking and Insurance

New Mexico (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims with a copy of police or

investigative report

and for residents over 65 years of age. All others pay $10 to place a

freeze and $5 to lift it temporarily or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/07%20Regular/final/SB0165.pdf>Copy

of New Mexico's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityNM.pdf>Instructions

for using New Mexico's security freeze law

New York (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims. All others can place the

freeze for free the first time it is used. These consumers pay $5 to

lift it temporarily or remove it altogether. If they wish to re-start

the freeze after it is removed, they pay a $5 fee.

Effective date of law: November 1, 2006

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/pdf/security/NYSecurityLaw.pdf>Copy

of New York's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityNY.pdf>Instructions

for using New York's security freeze law

North Carolina (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All Consumers

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims with a valid report or

complaint with a law enforcement agency. All others pay $10 to place

the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: December 1, 2005

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/enactedlegislation/statutes/pdf/bysection/chapter_7\

5/gs_75-63.pdf>Copy

of North Carolina's security freeze law

<http://www.ncdoj.com/DocumentStreamerClient?directory=Publications & file=securit\

yfreeze.pdf>Instructions

for using North Carolina's security freeze law from NC's Attorney General

North Dakota (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims with valid copy of a police

report or police case number documenting the investigative report or

complaint to law enforcement agency. All others pay $5 to place or

lift the freeze. No fee for removing freeze.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2007

<http://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/60-2007/bill-text/HRDH0400.pdf>Copy

of North Dakota's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityND.pdf>Instructions

for using North Dakota's security freeze law

Ohio

Ohio is one of seven states that has not passed a law requiring the

availability of the securitry freeze. However, as of November 1,

2007, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all making the freeze

available voluntarily to Ohio residents. In order to effectively

freeze access to your credit files, you must request the security

freeze at all three major credit bureaus.

Eligibility: All Consumers

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place,

temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date: November 1, 2007 at all three major credit reporting agencies

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

Oklahoma (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims with investigative report or

for seniors aged 65 years and older. All others pay $10 to place the

freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: January 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/OK_security_%20freeze_law.pdf>Copy

of Oklahoma's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityOK.pdf>Instructions

for using Oklahoma's security freeze law

Oregon (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. $10 to place the freeze,

lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether

Effective date of law: October 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/OR_security_freeze_law.pdf>Copy

of Oregon's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityOR.pdf>Instructions

for using Oregon's security freeze law

Pennsylvania (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims or seniors aged 65 and

older. All others pay $10 to place the freeze or to lift it

temporarily. No fee to remove the freeze.

Note: Security freeze automatically expires after 7 years from date

of placement.

Effective date of law: January 1, 2007

<http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2005 & sind=0 & bod\

y=S & type=B & BN=0180>Copy

of Pennsylvania's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityPA.pdf>Instructions

for using Pennsylvania's security freeze law

Rhode Island (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims or seniors aged 65 years and

older. All others pay $10 to place the freeze, lift it temporarily,

or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: January 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Billtext/BillText06/HouseText06/H7148Aaa.pdf>Copy

of Rhode Island's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityRI.pdf>Instructions

for using Rhode Island's security freeze law

South Carolina (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: None.

Effective date of law: December 31, 2008

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/SC_security_freeze_law.pdf>Copy

of South Carolina's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securitySC.pdf>Instructions

for using South Carolina's security freeze law

Until December 31, 2008, you must request the security freeze at all

three major credit bureaus. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all

making the freeze available voluntarily to Arizona residents until

the Arizona law goes into effect.

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

South Dakota (security freeze rights for identity theft victims

established by state law)

Eligibility: Identity theft victims with a valid police report. As of

November 1, 2007, the security freeze will be offered by all three

major credit bureaus voluntarily to all consumers.

Fees: No fees permitted by law for identity theft victims. All others

pay $10 to place, temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Note: Only freezes credit report and automatically expires after 7

years from date of placement

Effective date of law: July 1, 2006

<http://legis.state.sd.us/sessions/2006/bills/SB180enr.htm>Copy of

South Dakota's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securitySD.pdf>Instructions

for using South Dakota's security freeze law

Tennessee (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims. All others pay $7.50 to

place the freeze, no fee to lift it temporarily, and $5 to remove it

altogether.

Effective date of the law: January 1, 2008

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

Copy of Tennessee's security freeze law

Instructions for using Tennessee's security freeze law

<http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/Chapter/PC0170.pdf>Copy

of Tennessee's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityTN.pdf>Instructions

for using Tennessee's security freeze law

Texas (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims. All other consumers pay $10

to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or to remove it altogether.

$12 to lift the freeze temporarily for a specific creditor.

Effective date of law: September 1, 2003 for identity theft victims;

September 1, 2007 for all consumers

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/pdf/SB00222F.pdf>Copy

of Texas' security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityTX.pdf>Instructions

for using Texas' security freeze law

Utah (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: Utah's law allows credit bureaus to charge " reasonable fees, "

without specifying the amount that can be charged.

Note: Consumers will be able to temporarily lift or " thaw " the freeze

within 15 minutes of electronic request

Effective date of law: September 1, 2008

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.le.state.ut.us/%7E2006/bills/sbillenr/sb0071.htm>Copy of

Utah's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityUT.pdf>Instructions

for using Utah's security freeze law

Vermont (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place

the freeze, $5 to lift it temporarily or remove it altogether.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2006

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/sections.cfm?Title=09 & Chapter=063>Copy

of Vermont's security freeze law

<http://www.atg.state.vt.us/display.php?smod=198>Instructions for

using Vermont's security freeze law from VT's Attorney General

Virginia

Virginia is one of seven states that has not passed a law requiring

the availability of the securitry freeze. However, as of November 1,

2007, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all making the freeze

available voluntarily to Virginia residents. In order to effectively

freeze access to your credit files, you must request the security

freeze at all three major credit bureaus.

Eligibility: All Consumers

Fees: No fee for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place,

temporarily lift, or remove the freeze altogether.

Effective date: November 1, 2007 at all three major credit reporting agencies

<http://www.equifax.com/cs/Satellite/EFX_Content_C1/1165255679060/5-1/5-1_Layout\

..htm?packedargs=Locale=en_US>Security

Freeze Instructions for Equifax

<http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html#state>Security

Freeze Instructions for Experian

<http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/preventing/secu\

rityFreeze.page>Security

Freeze Instructions for TransUnion

Washington (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: Currently applies to identity theft victims, including

persons who receive a notice of a security breach of computerized

personal information. Beginning September 1, 2008, all consumers will

be eligible for the freeze.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims or seniors aged 65 years and

older. Once all other consumers become eligible in September 2008,

they will pay $10 to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove

it altogether.

Effective date of law: July 24, 2005 for identity theft victims;

September 1, 2008 for all consumers

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2007-08/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Law%20200\

7/5826-S.SL.pdf>Copy

of Washington's security freeze law

<http://www.atg.wa.gov/ConsumerIssues/ID-Privacy/SecurityFreeze.aspx>Instruction\

s

for using Washington's security freeze law from WA's Attorney General

West Virginia (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers.

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims. All others pay $5 to place

the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

Effective date of the law: July 2, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2007_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB428%20SUB1\

%20enr.htm>Copy

of West Virginia's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityWV.pdf>Instructions

for using West Virginia's security freeze law

Wisconsin (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fee for an " individual who submits evidence satisfactory to

the CRAs that the individual made a report to a law enforcement

agency. " All others pay $10 to place, temporarily lift, or remove the

freeze altogether.

Effective date of law: January 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/AB-912.pdf>Copy of

Wisconsin's security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityWI.pdf>Instructions

for using Wisconsin's security freeze law

Wyoming (security freeze rights established by state law)

Eligibility: All consumers

Fees: No fees for identity theft victims. All others pay $10 to place

the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether.

Note: Requires electronic and telephone methods to lift, imposes the

15 minute lift timeframe starting September 1, 2008.

Effective date of law: July 1, 2007

Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.

<http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2007/Enroll/SF0053.pdf>Copy of Wyoming's

security freeze law

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityWY.pdf>Instructions

for using Wyoming's security freeze law

For more information on security freezes, see the

<http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/001732.html>Consumers

Union/U.S. PIRG Model State Clean Credit and Identity Theft Protection Act.

Updated April 14, 2008

<http://www.consumersunion.org>Consumers Union