If you are worried about identity theft, a security freeze is one of the strongest steps you can take to reduce new-account fraud. An identity theft credit freeze restricts access to your credit file, which can make it harder for someone to open new credit in your name.
A freeze is not a one-time “set it and forget it” task. You may need to lift it for a specific lender, for a specific time period, or remove it completely if you no longer want it in place. This guide explains how the process usually works and how to handle lifts and removals without creating delays.
If a freeze is part of a larger identity theft problem, NY consumer credit report lawyers at Sherman & Ticchio PLLC are available to talk through what may be happening and what you can do next.
What a Security Freeze Does, and What It Does Not Do
A security freeze limits access to your credit report for most new credit applications. When a lender cannot access your report, many new credit accounts cannot be opened right away.
A freeze does not stop all identity theft. It does not block activity on existing accounts, and it does not prevent misuse of your Social Security number in every context. It also does not remove inaccurate items from your credit report. It is a prevention tool aimed mainly at new credit.
When an Identity Theft Credit Freeze Makes Sense
Many people place a freeze after a data breach or after losing a wallet, but it can also be used as a long-term privacy measure. A freeze may be a good fit if:
- You are not planning to apply for new credit in the near future.
- You have been a victim of identity theft before.
- You see inquiries or applications you do not recognize.
- You want to reduce the risk of new-account fraud during a busy period, like moving or changing jobs.
If you expect to shop for a loan soon, a freeze can still work well. It just means planning ahead for temporary lifts.
Before You Start: What to Gather
Having the right information ready can make the process smoother. Most credit bureaus ask for identity verification details. Prepare:
- Full legal name and any recent prior names.
- Date of birth.
- Social Security number.
- Current address and prior addresses from the last two years.
- Email address and phone number.
- A copy of a government-issued ID and proof of address, if requested.
Use a secure device and a private internet connection when submitting personal information.
How to Place a Security Freeze
To place a freeze, you generally need to contact each nationwide credit bureau separately. A freeze at one bureau does not automatically apply to the others.
Step 1: Create an account with each bureau
Most bureaus allow you to place and manage a freeze online. You typically create a login and verify identity through a series of questions or document upload.
Tip: Use a password manager and store the login details safely. If you lose access, it can slow down lifting or removing the freeze later.
Step 2: Place the freeze and save confirmation details
After the freeze is placed, you may receive a confirmation message or reference number. Save it in a secure place. Some bureaus use a PIN model, while others rely mainly on your online account access.
Step 3: Confirm your freeze status
After submitting, log back in and confirm the status shows “frozen” or similar wording. If the bureau shows “pending,” check for follow-up steps like document verification.
How to Lift a Security Freeze for a Credit Application
A lift is the most common action people take after a freeze is in place. A lift can be temporary or targeted.
Temporary lift for a time window
If you are shopping for credit across multiple lenders, you can lift the freeze for a set period, such as a few days or a week. This can prevent repeated lift requests.
Common pitfall: Lifting the freeze too late. Some lenders pull credit quickly after you submit an application. If the freeze is still active at that moment, the application can stall.
What If a Lender Says They Cannot Access Your Report?
If you get a message that the lender could not pull credit, take these steps:
- Ask which credit bureau they used.
- Lift the freeze at that bureau first.
- Confirm the lift is active in your account.
- Ask the lender to rerun the credit pull.
This keeps the process focused and reduces unnecessary lifts.
How to Remove a Security Freeze
Removing a freeze is similar to lifting it, but it is meant to be ongoing rather than temporary. Many consumers remove a freeze when they plan to apply for multiple products, or when they prefer other risk controls.
To remove it:
- Log in to each bureau account.
- Choose the option to remove or permanently lift the freeze.
- Confirm the status changes to “unfrozen” or similar wording.
After removal, keep an eye on your credit reports for new inquiries you do not recognize. If the original reason for freezing was identity theft, it may be safer to keep the freeze in place and use temporary lifts instead.
If Identity Theft Has Already Impacted Your Credit Report
A freeze can help stop new accounts, but it does not fix inaccurate reporting tied to identity theft. If you see accounts or addresses that are not yours, consider:
- Saving copies of your credit reports for your records.
- Filing an identity theft report through the FTC process and keeping documentation.
- Disputing inaccurate information directly with the credit reporting agency.
If inaccuracies continue to appear, or if you are losing opportunities because of identity theft-related reporting, it may help to talk with a credit report lawyer.
At Sherman & Ticchio PLLC, we are prepared to represent consumers in New York and New Jersey dealing with credit reporting issues and identity theft-related inaccuracies under the federal FCRA. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.