Security Freeze Information
If your personal information has fallen into the hands of identity thieves, they can too easily open new credit accounts in your name. As of October, 2007, Oregonians have the right to a security freeze – a tool to block identity thieves from opening fraudulent accounts, even if they’ve accessed your personal information. .
A Security Freeze is the right to control access your own credit report by protecting it with a passcode, like an ATM PIN. It doesn’t interfere with existing accounts. It only blocks unauthorized new accounts.
Here’s why it works: A potential creditor won't issue new credit (such as a credit card, cell phone account or car loan) without reviewing a consumer’s credit report. If only the actual consumer can grant access to the credit report, thieves are blocked from opening new accounts.
Keep in mind that a security freeze will not prevent a thief from misusing your existing credit cards and accounts. A security freeze is a targeted tool to prevent the most expensive and damaging form of identity theft – the opening of new, fraudulent accounts in your name.
How do I remove a freeze?
What is the cost of placing a freeze?