Consumer Blog

All 3 credit bureaus have now instructions on their Web sites for how to place a security freeze on your credit file. AG Nixon sent out a recent consumer alert encouraging consumers to do this to prevent identity theft.

Here's how it will work, in general: -You can do it online, by phone or by mail. Cost is $5 to freeze your credit report, per bureau. Your file will stay frozen until you tell the bureaus to lift the freeze. You'll need to do this if you're applying for credit - buying a house, taking out a loan, etc. Lenders can't approve your application if they can't see your credit report. That's the case when it's frozen. When you freeze your file, each credit bureau will give you a PIN to lift the freeze should you need to. So let's say you decide to apply for a car loan with XYZ bank. When you apply for the loan, you'll also give the bank your PIN. That way they can see your file. If you want to lift the freeze so that everybody can see your file, each credit bureau will do that for another $5. You can lift it permanently or temporarily, whichever you choose.

Instructions for freezing your credit report:

• Experian
• Equifax
• TransUnion