CONNECTICUT SECURITY FREEZE LAW

The following is summarized from “Public Act No. 05-148: An Act Requiring Consumer Credit Bureaus to Offer Security Freezes”(http://www.cga.ct.gov/2005/act/Pa/2005PA-00148-R00SB-00650-PA.htm) posted on the Connecticut General Assembly website and “Security Freeze Information" (http://www.consumersunion.org/pdf/security/securityCT.pdf) posted on the Consumers Union website.

WHAT IS THE SECURITY FREEZE LAW?

Effective January 1, 2006, Connecticut residents can request that a “security freeze” be placed on their credit reports by a credit rating agency. The purpose of the security freeze is to prevent access to the credit report by anyone without authorization by the consumer. This can help prevent the consumer from identity theft, even if someone has their name and Social Security number. A security freeze would also forbid credit rating agencies from releasing any information from the credit report without permission from the consumer.

HOW DO I PUT A SECURITY FREEZE ON MY CREDIT REPORT?

In order to put a security freeze notice on your credit report, you must write to each of the three credit rating agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Send a certified letter to each of the addresses below:

• Equifax Security Freeze
  P.O. Box 105788
  Atlanta, GA 30348
  
  
• Experian Security Freeze
  P.O. Box 9554
  Allen, TX 75013
  
  
• TransUnion Security Freeze
  P.O. Box 6790
  Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Include your full name, address, Social Security number, proof of address (such as phone or utility bill), photocopy of a government issued identification card (driver’s license or ID card, military ID, etc.) and payment.

Once the credit rating agencies receive your letter, they must put a security freeze on your credit report within five business days. A written confirmation letter will be sent within ten business days that includes a personal identification number (PIN) to permit you to grant authorization to your credit report to a third party or for a specific period of time.

IS THERE A FEE?

There is a $10 fee for each credit rating agency to place a security freeze on your credit report.

WHAT IF I NEED TO REMOVE THE SECURITY FREEZE?

A security freeze can be temporarily lifted or permanently removed from a credit report for a $10 fee. There is a $12 fee if the freeze needs to be lifted for a specific party.

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:

Search by agency name:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

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SOURCES: Connecticut General Assembly website; Consumers Union website
PREPARED BY: 211/pt
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: April2013