Several tools are available to help identity theft victims and potential victims in Washington. Instructions are provided for obtaining a credit report security freeze, a fraud alert or a free copy of your credit report. Which option is right for you will depend on your situation and eligibility.
What is the difference between a fraud alert and a freeze?
- A security freeze means that your credit file cannot be shared with potential creditors or insurance companies. You, too, will not be able to open new credit while a freeze is in place. Individuals can request that a freeze be temporarily lifted for the purpose of obtaining new credit.
- A fraud alert is a less restrictive option and may help prevent fraud. An alert does not block potential new credit, but is merely a comment on your history.
If you don’t qualify for a security freeze you may still be able to request a fraud alert in some cases.
Can I receive copies of my credit reports without requesting a fraud alert or freeze?
Yes. All consumers can obtain a free annual credit report from each of the three major reporting bureaus, regardless of whether they have been identity theft victims. Call 1-877-322-8228 or make a request online at https://www.annualcreditreport.com.
NEW: Most consumers are now eligible for free credit monitoring and a free credit score from TransUnion. Learn more.
What is a fraud alert?
An alert places a statement on your credit report. If an imposter attempts to obtain credit in your name, the creditor will check your credit and will encounter a statement that says something to this effect: "I may be a victim of fraud. Call me at my phone number 123-456-7890 before extending credit." Extended fraud alerts may also be available; details are available on the bureaus’ Web sites.
How long is a fraud alert in effect?
An initial fraud alert lasts 90 days. If you are an identity theft victim, you can request an extended fraud alert that remains a part of your credit files for seven years.
How do I place a fraud alert?
Call the toll-free fraud number of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place an initial fraud alert on your credit report for 90 days. The other two credit bureaus will automatically be notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.
Equifax
1-800-685-1111 -- select option 4.
www.equifax.com
Experian
1-888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
www.experian.com
Trans Union
1-800-916-8800
www.transunion.com
To place an extended fraud alert, you will need to provide a copy of a police report and proof of your identity.
I’m on active duty in the military; can a relative place a fraud alert for me?
Yes. If you are away from your permanent duty station, you, your spouse or another personal representative may place an active duty alert on your credit file to help minimize the risk of identity theft while you are deployed. Active duty alerts are in effect on your file for one year. If your deployment lasts longer, you can place another alert on your credit file.
The process for placing and removing an active duty alert is the same as the standard alert described above. If you are not on active duty, use the standard fraud alert.
When you place an active duty alert, you'll be removed from the credit reporting companies' marketing list for pre-screened credit card offers for two years unless you ask to go back on the list before then.
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What is a “security freeze”?
- A security freeze means that your credit file cannot be shared with potential creditors or insurance companies;
- A security freeze can help prevent identity theft since most businesses will not open credit accounts without checking a consumer's credit history first;
- A freeze is not 100 percent fail-safe as some creditors can and will issue credit without pulling a credit report. Firms that you have an existing business relationship will be able to pull a report despite the freeze and your information may be released for the purpose of prescreening.
Who can request a security freeze?
Anyone can request a freeze.
How do I request a security freeze?
Write to each of the three bureaus. See our chart for instructions. Keep copies of your request and supporting documentation.
Is there a cost to place, temporarily lift or remove a freeze?
Under current law, identity theft victims and individuals whose information was potentially compromised in a data breach may
request a security freeze for free.
Starting Sept. 1, 2008, identity theft victims and adults ages 65 and older will be able to place a freeze for free.
Other consumers pay up to $10 per bureau. Consumers who aren’t entitled to a free freeze would therefore pay a total of $30 to freeze their reports with the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.
Qualifying individuals may be charged a fee to temporarily lift or remove a freeze. Washington’s current law does not address these fees.
See chart for details.
Should I sign up for credit monitoring?
The Attorney General’s Office does not endorse or oppose credit monitoring services, and advises consumers to consider whether these services are beneficial. Note that bureaus offer packages that provide credit monitoring -- for an additional cost -- with the ability to freeze your reports.
NEW: TransUnion reached a preliminary agreement in a class action lawsuit in May 2008, under which millions of consumers will get their credit score and up to nine months of credit-monitoring service for free. The settlement applies to any consumer who had a credit card, loan or credit account between January 1987 and May 28, 2008. Eligible consumers will be able to select from these options:
Free credit monitoring for six months. If you choose this option, you may also request to receive a cash payment if there’s money left over from the $75 million settlement fund. (If you receive the cash, however, you won’t be able to file an individual lawsuit against the defendants.)
Free credit monitoring for nine months. If you choose this option, you won’t be entitled to any cash payment. (You also will not be able to file an individual lawsuit against the defendants.)
The free credit score being offered by TransUnion is its own product and not an actual FICO credit score.
To take advantage of the offer, register for benefits online at www.listclassaction.com or call 1-866-416-3470.
The case, filed in federal court in Chicago, claimed that the credit bureau had violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act when it sold consumer information to businesses for their targeted marketing efforts.
Do I have to freeze my file with all three credit bureaus?
Yes. Different credit issuers may use different credit bureaus. If you want to stop your credit file from being viewed, you need to freeze it with Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.
How is identity theft defined under Washington law?
Washington’s identity theft law states that no person may knowingly obtain, possess, use, or transfer a means of identification or financial information of another person, living or dead, with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any crime. A lost wallet or purse alone would likely not be sufficient grounds for filing receiving a free freeze. If a thief uses that information to commit fraud, that would qualify.
My information was stolen in a security breach. Do I still need to file a police report?
Under Washington’s current law, a police report is required to request a security freeze. Police departments generally prefer that you file a report only if you are a victim of a crime. In some cases, the business or agency that was the target of the security breach may be willing to provide you with a copy of its police report in order to request a freeze. Beginning September 1, 2008, you may request a freeze but unless you provide a police report indicating that you are victim of identity theft, you may be charged a fee.
Can I open new credit accounts if my files are frozen? How long does it take to obtain access to my credit?
You cannot open new credit while a freeze is in place. You can request that a freeze by temporarily lifted. This can take up to three days under current law. Beginning September 1, 2008, Washington consumers will be able to request a thaw within 15 minutes through an electronic contact method chosen by the credit bureau, or within three business days of receiving a request by mail.
How long does it take for a security freeze to be in effect?
Credit bureaus must place the freeze no later than five business days after receiving your written request. Beginning September 1, 2008, bureaus must place a freeze within five business days after receiving your written request and payment of any required fees.
What will a creditor who requests my file see if it is frozen?
A creditor will see a message or a code indicating that the file is frozen.
Can a creditor get my credit score if my file is frozen?
No. A creditor who requests your file from one of the three credit bureaus will only get a message or a code indicating that the file is frozen.
Can I order my own credit report if my file is frozen?
Yes.
Can anyone see my credit file if it is frozen?
When you have a security freeze on your credit file, certain entities still have access to it. Your report can still be released to your existing creditors or to collection agencies acting on their behalf. They can use it to review or collect on your account. Other creditors may also use your information to make offers of credit, unless you opt out of receiving such offers.
Government agencies may have access for collecting child support payments or taxes or for investigating fraud. Government agencies may also have access in response to a court or administrative order, a subpoena, or a search warrant.
Will a freeze lower my credit score?
No.
Does freezing my file mean that I won’t receive pre-approved credit offers?
No. You can stop the pre-approved credit offers by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT or filing a request online at www.optoutprescreen.com. This will stop most of the offers; the ones that go through the credit bureaus. It’s good for two years or you can make it permanent. For more information about this service, click here.
What law requires security freezes?
Washington State’s Fair Credit Reporting Act, RCW 19.182, was amended in July 2005 to allow victims of identity theft the ability to place a freeze on their credit. New revisions that take effect September 1, 2008, expand this right to all individuals. Since the revised legislation was approved, the three major credit bureaus have implemented new procedures to allow any consumer to request a freeze.
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