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News: The 3 Additional Reports You Should Consider Freezing - Credit-Land.com

If you freeze your Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion reports to prevent fraud, then you should consider freezing some of the reports below too. The three major credit bureaus gather and report data on your credit use. However, there are other consumer reporting agencies that build banking, rental, and employment profiles, to name a few.

Here are three big consumer reporting agencies you might not have heard of and how to freeze your report at each:

  • Innovis: It's a credit bureau like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, but less well-known. Still, it's worth placing a freeze on the Innovis report as well. You can request an Innovis credit freeze for free by phone, mail, or online. To put a freeze online, use this form. To fill out the form, you will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, phone number, and birth date. After your request is processed, you will receive a letter with a PIN that you can use to lift the freeze
  • ChexSystems: This is the database of banking history. When you are opening a new account, most banks will request information from ChexSystems. When you freeze your ChexSystems report, no one will be able to open an account under your name. ChexSystems freezes are free and easy: you can put a freeze online, by phone, or by mail. To send an online form, you will need to register or log in to your existing account. Your PIN will also be sent by mail.
  • LexisNexis: This report compiles multiple data sources about consumers, including public records information, as well as reports with insurance claim and policy data. Freezing your LexisNexis report can prevent criminals from getting insurance in your name. You can request a security freeze by mail, phone, or online. The cost of the freeze varies by state and is typically between $0 and $10.

When you freeze your reports, keep in mind that your active accounts may still be used by criminals. So keep an eye on your statements. Additionally, you should remember that freezes make it harder to open a new account for you as well. Thus, if you are planning to apply for a credit card, consider postponing the freeze or requesting a temporary lift for frozen reports.

tags : Security Credit Report Credit Freeze Security Freeze

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