Since the end of 2006, you have the ability to place what is called a “Security Freeze” on your credit file. This will prevent the Consumer Credit Reporting Agency (Credit Bureau) from releasing any information contained in your file. This measure is designed to prevent criminals from applying for credit in your name, claiming to be you.

I can’t say enough about this technique, many people have no idea that this can be done, but it can. What happens is that you send a request letter to the credit bureau, all three is the most effective, and they will activate your freeze and issue you a PIN number for you to use when you want to cancel the freeze or release the freeze for a specific creditor (such as a mortgage lender).

When releasing or cancelling the freeze, you and/or the creditor will need the following items to execute the release successfully:

• The supplied PIN number issued to you when you placed the freeze
• Identification to verify your identity
• Complete info on the company that you want info released to
• Payment of any fees associated with the release or cancel (not much)

Keep in mind, placing this freeze on your file could slow down any credit approvals you legitimately apply for. The best thing to do is plan in advance, don’t just apply for credit and expect the freeze to be instantly lifted off. It takes a little time. These are all good things for you, they are all measures that the credit bureaus use to lower the chances of identity theft.

For a sample security freeze request letter, just look in the Sample Letters page on this site. There is a copy there for you to use.

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