#Equifax temporary lift freeze free#

A freeze can prevent identity theft since most businesses will not open credit accounts without checking a consumer's credit history first. A freeze means that your credit history cannot be shared with potential creditors.

#Equifax temporary lift freeze free#

Right now, RCW 19.182.170 allows identity theft victims and people whose information was potentially compromised in a data breach to request a free security freeze from Equifax, Experian and/or TransUnion.Here’s a breakdown of Washington’s credit freeze law and TransUnion’s new service: McKenna said his office created a Web page at to help educate consumers about credit freeze and fraud alert options available in Washington. Equifax announced it plans to follow suit and will set up procedures in October. TransUnion announced last week that it would allow consumers nationwide the ability to freeze access to their credit reports starting Oct. Identity theft and data breach victims can request a security freeze now.” “Under legislation I proposed, consumers will be able to freeze their credit histories with the three major bureaus, including Experian, starting next year. “For a freeze to be effective, however, consumers need to also be able to freeze access to all major credit reporting agencies,” McKenna added. “A security freeze is the strongest tool available to prevent identity thieves from opening new credit lines in a victim's name, wrecking their finances.' “I’m pleased that TransUnion and Equifax have decided to offer a credit report security freeze to all consumers,” McKenna said.

McKenna said it’s important for consumers to understand how TransUnion’s credit freeze rules differ from Washington laws and to not confuse the credit freeze option – which is free for victims and $10 for everyone else – and a costlier product offered by TransUnion that includes credit monitoring. SEATTLE – Attorney General Rob McKenna applauded decisions by TransUnion and Equifax to offer consumers the ability to freeze access to their credit reports.