I recommend everyone freeze their credit, starting with the 3 major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. For each one, I link the website where you can do it online, as well as a phone number to call, and street address.
I was able to setup all my freezes online, but sometimes a phone call or sending in snail mail may be needed. I include some specific notes for each bureau in their individual section below.
PLEASE NOTE: Freezing your credit and setting an alert does NOT cost money. As you are setting up your freeze, you will get offered paid services that sound like the same thing, like “locking your credit”, but they are not. The actual freeze and alerts are free. I have not evaluated any of the paid services yet, so I do not endorse them. If any of this changes, I will update these instructions.
If you run into any problems, please reply to this post so we can update the instructions and everyone can benefit. Thank you!
Equifax
I was able to get registered here easily through the website. They do have an official app but I wouldn’t bother with it.
website
800-685-1111
Equifax Security Freeze
PO Box 105788, Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5788
TransUnion
I was able to get registered here easily through the website. They do have an official app but I haven’t used it.
website
888-909-8872
TransUnion LLC
PO Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
Experian
I had a lot of problems trying to get registered for an account on their website. I finally got it working in the app, and that’s what I’d suggest trying first. Then login to the website to actually request the freeze. Be wary of the CreditLock product they will try to sell you. They talk about “locking” your credit, which they can charge you for, rather than “freezing” your credit, which is free. I’ve never used or even explored the paid service.
888-397-3742
Experian Security Freeze
PO Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013