There is no charge for placing, temporarily lifting, or removing a security free to victims of Identity Theft, who have a police report.
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How to Protect Your Credit Report
Most businesses will not open new accounts without first checking a consumer’s credit history.
Consumers have two options that may limit the use of credit report information in obtaining new credit or opening accounts that require credit report information.
The first option, called a Credit or Security Freeze is available to any consumer in Texas regardless of the threat of Identity Theft. A Credit Freeze will prohibit, with certain exceptions, the credit reporting agency from releasing the consumer’s credit report or any information from it without the expressed authorization of the consumer. There is no charge for placing, temporarily lifting, or removing a security freeze to victims of identity theft, who have a police report.
For all other consumers, a fee is charged to place, temporarily lift or remove a security freeze on their credit report. A fee may also be charged for the release of a credit report to a specific person.
The second option called a "Fraud Alert", adds a statement to your Credit Report to warn potential creditors, etc. of the possibility of Theft. The statement asks the reviewer to use "reasonable policies and procedures” to verify your identity.
A Fraud Alert request to the Credit Reporting Agency also allows one free report from each of the three bureaus, (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Two Types of Fraud Alerts
The "Initial" Fraud Alert lasts for 90 days and should be used when a purse or wallet is stolen or after a response to "phising" or other scams. The "Extended" Alert requires a police report and can be effective for seven years. To place an "Alert" or "Freeze" on our credit file contact a Credit Reporting Agency:
Written requests should be sent by certified mail, include a completed copy of the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, supply all addresses where you have lived if you have moved in the past five years, provide proof of current address, such as a current utility or phone bill or bank statement, send a photocopy of a government issued identification card, (state driver's license or ID card, mlitary identification, etc.). If you are a victim of identity theft, to avoid the fee you must include a copy of a police report of alleged identity fraud. Pay the fee if applicable, by check, money order, or credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express, or Discover cards only).
The "credit freeze" and "fraud alert" are not a solution to all types of Identity Theft, such as use of existing accounts or opening accounts or completing purchases that do not require a credit check. These types of alerts may cause other obstacles to your own use of credit. If an alert or freeze is in place, remember to inform the Credit Reporting Agencies if there is a change in your contact information.
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