Released: September 20, 2007

TransUnion to offer credit freeze in all states

Source: Brian Krebs, Washington Post (Free Registration)

TransUnion, one of the three major consumer credit reporting bureaus, said Tuesday that starting next month it will allow consumers to freeze and thaw their credit files as a means to prevent identity theft.

A credit freeze directs the credit bureaus to block access to a consumer’s credit report and credit score. At present, at least 39 states and the District of Columbia allow consumers to freeze their credit files, but many of those laws do not take effect until 2008 or 2009. TransUnion would be the first bureau to voluntarily offer freezes to consumers in all 50 states (and D.C.).

TransUnion said that in states where there is an existing freeze law, the company will continue to meet or exceed the requirements of those laws. In states where a law has been enacted, but is not yet effective, or where no law has been enacted, TransUnion will provide freezes free to all identity theft victims. Non-victims would need to pay a $10 fee to add, lift, or remove a freeze.

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