I went ahead and followed the advice to freeze my credit score as a result of the Equifax data breach in August. Barbara O’Neill, an extension colleague at Rutgers University, posted a blog recently highlighting step-by-step credit freeze information(PDF). I found the suggestions in this blog helpful and I thought I’d share my experience in case you were also considering a credit freeze.
As the blog suggested, I wrote identical letters to each of the four credit reporting agencies. In each letter I included my name, address, SSN, DOB, a copy of my driver’s license, a copy of a utility bill, and a $5 check to cover the Ohio fees of the freeze. I printed, signed, and mailed the letters as first-class (regular) mail even though the letters contained sensitive information. I felt comfortable doing so because the postal worker assured me that the mail is handled securely from this point on. It saved me $6.65 per letter, which is the charge for priority mail. After about a week, TransUnion and Experian cashed the check, signaling that the letters were being processed. Innovis returned the check stating that it didn’t charge for the service, also signaling that my request was being processed. Equifax did not cash the check, but also has not returned it, so I may have to put a hold on this check.
Within about two to three weeks, the four credit reporting agencies responded in writing with information about the credit freeze, including the PIN that will be needed to lift the freeze. I will need to provide the PIN in case I want to obtain a new credit card, refinance my mortgage, or access other credit in the future. Additionally, a one-page “Ohio Bill of Rights” was enclosed with the letters, which provides further information about Ohio consumers’ right to obtain a security freeze.
I have not received a letter from Equifax stating that my credit information was indeed stolen, so I am hopeful that I don’t have to expect any wrongdoing. I will continue to monitor my credit and bank statements for small amounts and check if I did make the purchase. It is a good money management habit anyways! I will also keep checking the “Equifax data breach updates” of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
