Definitions for credit freeze
cred·it freeze

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1. Credit freeze

   A credit freeze (also known as a credit report freeze, a credit report lock down, a credit lock down, a credit lock, or a security freeze) allows an individual to control how a U.S. consumer reporting agency (also known as a credit bureau: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Innovis) is able to sell personal financial identity data. The credit freeze locks the data at the consumer reporting agency until the individual gives permission for the release of the data. Today, credit freezes are made possible by state laws as well as industry-initiated rules. Laws have been passed by all the US states except Michigan. The first state to pass a credit freeze law was California, with SB 1386 sponsored by Debra Bowen in 2002, effective 2003. In late 2007, all three of the major credit bureaus (following TransUnion's lead) announced that they would let consumers freeze their credit reports, regardless of the state of residency. State laws still apply, however, in instances where the cost or other details of the freeze are more favorable than they are under the industry-sponsored alternative.Credit freezes are frequently viewed as the most effective way to prevent financial identity theft. Each year in the United States, approximately 15 percent of all cases of identity theft are cases of new account origination identity theft, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This form of identity theft occurs when a criminal opens credit in another individual's name. In the credit origination process, access to a credit report is critical for a lender to make a risk assessment. Because a credit freeze effectively stops any access to the credit report, it places a block in the process of issuing credit. Individuals who freeze their credit reports must therefore unfreeze their reports before they wish to apply for credit themselves.Lenders typically require access to the borrower's credit report before issuing a loan in the borrower's name. If lenders cannot see the borrower's credit report, it is unlikely the lender will issue a loan in the borrower's name. Hence, credit freezing should reduce the risk that loans or credit cards will be issued fraudulently. Credit freezes do have some disadvantages, however, such as creating potential difficulties or delays applying for a loan.In order to thoroughly freeze access to one's credit report, it is necessary to contact each of the three major credit reporting agencies. The associated fees also differ from state to state. In states where laws do not dictate more favorable pricing, the cost of freezing or unfreezing a credit report is $10.00. In some states, credit freezing fees are waived for victims of identity theft. To avoid credit freeze fees, a law enforcement report or complaint is generally required with other documentation. In late 2007, the credit bureaus started to introduce online credit freezing: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

How to pronounce credit freeze?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say credit freeze in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of credit freeze in Chaldean Numerology is: 6

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of credit freeze in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7

Examples of credit freeze in a Sentence

1. Chris Roberts:

   There’s not much consumers can do, police don’t have time, the FBI won’t care unless it’s a lot of money or kids involved and then they are overwhelmed. The best you can do is put credit freeze and a hold on things and hold on tight. This is going to get worse.

2. John Heath:

   A credit freeze may not be the best thing to do if you're applying for a home or auto loan, or looking for different types of credit cards.

References

1. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_Freeze