Freezing Credit Reports

I really should do this too

Spooked by the possibility of identity theft, increasing numbers of people are taking a radical approach to thwart criminals: They are putting their credit reports on permanent freeze. A frozen credit report prevents almost anyone from using your name to take out a loan or sign up for credit, such as a credit card, a bank account or cellphone service. That is because, with a freeze in place, potential new creditors can't get access to your credit record kept on file by the three main credit-reporting bureaus without your explicit permission. [From More People Are Freezing Credit Reports]

I'm not in the market for any new loans or debts, why should my credit report be available to marketers?

Some states also are requiring the credit bureaus to charge lower fees in their states. As of last month, Indiana residents can request, lift or a remove a freeze for free, while consumers in other places, such as Nebraska and Delaware, pay only a one-time fee to place the freeze with no additional costs to remove the freeze. Some states, including New York, New Jersey and Montana, require that bureaus charge fees of $5 or less.

Consumers can get more information on states' credit-freeze laws, along with general guidelines on how to place a freeze, at www.financialprivacynow.org, a site run by Consumers Union.

Specific instructions on a state by state basis.

Illinois
Eligibility: All consumers. Fees: No fees for identity theft victims with police reports and seniors 65 years and older. All others pay a $10 fee to place the freeze, lift it temporarily, or remove it altogether. Effective date of law: January 1, 2007 Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.
Copy of Illinois’ security freeze law
Instructions for using Illinois’ security freeze law (PDF)