Placing a Security Freeze

"If you live in New Jersey, you have the right to put a "security freeze" on your credit file. A security freeze means that your file cannot be shared with potential creditors.

Most businesses will not open credit accounts without checking a consumer's credit history first. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number would probably not be able to get credit in your name."

The above quote is found at the linked website page of the State of New Jersey's Department of Banking and Insurance. The site also details how to place a security freeze. There are three credit reporting agencies one must write to. Certain information is required by each agency. A copy of the relevant police report is required for victims of identity theft. I'll note the three agencies and their addresses as well as what additional things must be done.

Write to:

Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348

and send by certified mail a letter providing your name, current and former addresses, your social security number and your date of birth.


Write to:

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

and send by certified mail a letter with your full name, (with middle initial and Jr./Sr.), your current address as well as your home addresses for past five years, your social security number, birth date and two proofs of residence (copy of driver's license, utility bill, insurance statement, bank statement).


Write to:

Trans Union Security Freeze
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

and send by regular or certified mail your first name, middle initial, last name, Jr., etc., your current home address and addresses for past five years, your social security number and your birth date.

About Pretexting

What is "pretexting" and what does it have to do with identity theft? is the question posed and answered at the linked government website. Quoting:

"Pretexting is the practice of getting your personal information under false pretenses. Pretexters sell your information to people who may use it to get credit in your name, to steal your assets, or to investigate or sue you. Pretexting is against the law."

Deception is the tool by which personal information can be obtained. The target could be the person to whom the information pertains or it could be a financial intitution that has accounts belonging to that person. The valued information is the name, address, social security number and birthdate of the victim. Misrepresentation through the telephone or the internet are common methods. Ensure that the person or organization with whom you are dealing is reputable. If in doubt withhold the requested information. A request for the enumerated information itself can be a tipoff that the one making the request has illicit motives.

Identity Theft

The United States Federal Trade Commision (FTC) has estimated that identities will be stolen from as many as 9 million Americans during the year. I am personally familar with the problem. My son was twice victimized by identity theft. Thieves use the name and other data pertaining to the victim in order to secure credit cards, a telephone account or other things they might not secure otherwise. The victim may be unaware of the problem until receiving an unexpected bill. Then steps need to be taken to safeguard one's credit integrity and avoid unwanted bills. Fortunately this is possible. More on that in coming blog entries.