What is a credit freeze?

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a way for people to protect their credit from being used by someone else. When you place a credit freeze, it restricts access to your credit report and makes it difficult for someone to open new accounts in your name. A credit freeze can be an effective way to prevent identity theft and fraud. In Washington, placing a credit freeze is a free service that is offered by the three major credit reporting agencies (CRAs): Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. To place a credit freeze, you must contact each of the CRAs separately and provide them with your identifying information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and driver’s license or state ID number. You will also have to create a PIN or password for each CRA. Once you place a credit freeze, you will be unable to apply for new credit until you contact the agencies and provide your PIN or password, or until you lift the freeze. You can temporarily lift the freeze if you need to apply for new credit, but you must remember to re-freeze your credit as soon as possible. Under the credit freeze law in Washington, individuals who are victims of identity theft are able to place and lift a credit freeze free of charge. Additionally, consumers are able to request a free annual credit report, which includes a list of current creditors. This can be helpful in spotting any suspicious activity on your credit report.

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What is a credit freeze?

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