Released: October 04, 2007

Experian joins ‘credit freeze’ crowd

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Free Registration)

Credit reporting firm Experian said Thursday it will allow consumers to freeze their credit reports starting Nov. 1.

In doing so, Experian, based in Costa Mesa, Calif., joins TransUnion in giving consumers that option.

Atlanta-based Equifax said two weeks ago that it will give consumers nationwide a file freeze option, too, starting this month. It has not yet disclosed further details.

File freezes prevent new creditors from accessing an individual’s credit report without his or her consent.

“It will be one option among a broad range of fraud assistance tools we already provide to consumers so that they may make the choice best suited to their situation,” said Kerry Williams, group president of Experian’s credit services and decision analytics business.

Experian will charge $10 every time a consumer wants to freeze, temporarily or permanently remove a file freeze. That matches TransUnion’s fee.

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