In 2017, consumers had to
contend with a massive data breach by Equifax affecting 143 million
Americans (58% of adults over the age of 18)!
At that time there were confusing signals about ways in which consumers could
protect their credit. Should the
consumer place a fraud alert, freeze credit, or pay for a private service such
as Life Lock to prevent identity theft?
In my article dated 10/17/17, I explored all these options and more and
concluded that the only way to thoroughly protect one’s credit is to freeze all
three credit bureaus.
This new law requires that
credit freezes be free for consumers across the country. If the request is made over the phone or
online, the freeze must be completed within a day. If the request is made by mail, within three
days of receiving the request.
Lifting the freeze is also
free and must be done within the hour if the request was made by phone or
online; three days if by mail.
Consumers who wish to freeze
their credit should visit the websites of all three credit reporting
agencies: Equifax, Experian and
TransUnion – to make their request at each.
Equifax:
Automated: 800-349-9960
Cust. Care: 888-298-0045
Mail: Equifax Information Services, PO Box 105788, Atlanta, GA
30348-5788
Experian:
Phone: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion:
Phone: 888-909-8872
Mail: Transunion, P.O. Box 160,
Woodlyn, PA 19094
“This is especially useful for
consumers wishing to obtain a mortgage” states Diane Pyshos, Senior Mortgage
Consultant. “Previously, it could take
many days and cost the consumer $10 for each bureau to unlock and then relock
their credit. Now this is a seamless and
free process enabling the borrower to apply for credit while still maintaining
a high level of consumer protection.”
Please visit my website at dianeloan.com with your inquiries and to schedule a time for a free
consultation.
Provided by Diane Pyshos, Senior Mortgage Consultant
NMLS #137800 - Company ID
#19291
A&N Mortgage
Services, 1945 North Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL
60642
and
16109 Red Arrow
Highway, Union Pier, MI 49129
312-909-9718
THIS IS AN ADVERTISMENT. This is not a commitment to lend. A and N Mortgage Services, Inc. is an
Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee and Equal Housing Lender. 1945 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60642 P:
773.305.LOAN (5626) www.anmtg.com NMLS #19291 IL MB.0006638. Serving IL, IA,
IN, FL, MA, MI, MN, TX, WI
