As of July 1, Georgians will be able to freeze and thaw their credit reports for free. When a freeze is in place, credit reporting agencies cannot release consumers’ credit reports or credit scores unless consumers remove the freeze by providing a PIN or password.
According to a release by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr’s office, the ability to deny access to credit files makes it much more difficult for a would-be identity thief.
To place a freeze, consumers must contact each of the three major credit reporting agencies…Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
A credit freeze does not affect your existing credit in any way. However, if you want to apply for a new loan or credit card, you will need to contact the credit reporting agencies to have the freeze temporarily lifted or thawed.
Please note that a new federal law will go into effect September 21, 2018 that will make credit freezes free nationwide.
Experian
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
Equifax
1-800-685-1111
TransUnion LLC
1-888-909-8872
www.transunion.com/personal-credit/credit-disputes/credit-freezes