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Posted on: 23 Sep 2025
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Freezing your TransUnion credit report is a crucial step in safeguarding against identity theft and protecting your financial future in the USA. This process is free, straightforward, and can be completed online, by phone, or through the mail, allowing you to control who can access your credit data when new accounts are requested.
Why Freeze Your Credit Report?
A credit freeze prevents creditors from accessing your TransUnion report to approve new accounts, effectively blocking fraudsters from opening accounts in your name. You can still monitor your report and score, but you must temporarily lift the freeze if you plan to apply for a loan, credit card, or other financial service.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Freeze Your TransUnion Credit
1. Prepare Required Information
Before starting, gather these details:
Legal name as it appears on your ID
Mailing address (and previous if you’ve moved in the last six months)
Date of birth
Contact phone number
The last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN)
Copies of ID and address documents if mailing (e.g., driver's license, utility bill)
2. Initiate the Freeze
You can freeze your TransUnion credit using one of three methods:
Online: Visit the TransUnion Service Center (www.transunion.com), create an account, and follow the prompts to request the freeze. Make sure you select only the free freeze service if that’s your priority.
Phone: Call TransUnion at 800-916-8800 to use their automated system or speak with a representative. Be ready with your basic information and to answer security questions.
Mail: Send a written request to:
TransUnion,
P.O. Box 160,
Woodlyn, PA 19094.Include:
Full legal name, address, date of birth, SSN
Photocopies of identity verification (driver’s license, Social Security card, utility bill)
3. Confirm Your Freeze Status
Once the process is complete, TransUnion will notify you or confirm within your online account. Keep your account login details and any paperwork safe, as you'll need these to lift or temporarily thaw the freeze when you apply for new credit.
What Happens After Freezing?
Continued Access: You can still view your own credit report and score anytime.
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