![]() You’ll be asked, “Would you like to remove the freeze on your credit file now?” If you say yes, you’ll be routed to a self-serve process. How to reach a real person: Bypass the prompts that try to route you to the website or automated self-serve by choosing the “other questions” option.ĭetailed steps on how to reach a live person at Experian: Enter your Social Security number to confirm your identity.Experian phone number: Experian’s official customer service number is: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-88).Even after reaching a real person, he or she may have to put you on hold to get you to the department you need. What I’ve detailed below is the quickest way I was able to reach a real person.Īll the credit bureaus route callers to self-service options. Also, note that each of the credit bureaus has several phone numbers, each for different issues. Wait times may be longer if you call during peak hours, so try to call early in the day. How To Reach Humans at Experian, TransUnion and Equifax In January 2023, I documented the steps as well as the wait times it took for me to talk to a real person at the following credit bureaus: In this article, I’m going to share with you the steps you can take to reach human beings at the three major credit bureaus.Īt, we call each of them periodically to stay current on their processes for reaching a real person. ![]() One issue you may run into when contacting the credit bureaus is reaching a real person. The cost to lift a freeze varies by state.From time to time, you may need to get in touch with the three major credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion and Equifax – for various reasons, including freezing your credit, which money expert Clark Howard believes is the best way to protect your identity. A credit reporting company must lift a freeze no later than three business days after getting your request. In the vast majority of states, a freeze remains in place until you ask the credit reporting company to temporarily lift it or remove it altogether. In a few states, credit freezes expire after seven years. To lift a freeze on your credit report(s): You will need it if you choose to lift the freeze. ![]() Keep the PIN or password in a safe place. Fees vary based on where you live, but commonly range from $5 to $10.Īfter receiving your freeze request, each credit reporting company will send you a confirmation letter containing a unique PIN (personal identification number) or password. You’ll need to supply your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and other personal information. To place a freeze on your credit report(s):Ĭontact each of the nationwide credit reporting companies: You still need to monitor all bank, credit card and insurance statements for fraudulent transactions. ![]() A freeze also does not prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts. The cost and lead times to lift a freeze vary, so it’s best to check with the credit reporting company in advance. But if you’re doing any of these, you’ll need to lift the freeze temporarily, either for a specific time or for a specific party, say, a potential landlord or employer. A credit freeze does not prevent you from getting your free annual credit report, keep you from opening a new account, applying for a job, renting an apartment, or buying insurance. This service is free to consumers.Ĭredit Freeze: A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. To place a fraud alert on your report, contact one of the nationwide credit reporting companies (the company you contact must share the alert information with the other companies) and ask for the company to put a fraud alert on your credit file. Even with a fraud alert or freeze, you should still actively monitor your accounts for fraudulent transactions.Ĭredit Report Fraud Alerts: When you have a fraud alert on your report, businesses must first verify your identity before issuing credit. If you’re concerned about someone gaining access to your credit report without your permission, you may consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your report(s). You may also contact Equifax directly at 1.866.447.7559 with any questions. The website also provides additional information on steps consumers can take to protect their personal information. Based on the company’s investigation, the unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through July 2017.Įquifax has established a dedicated website, to help consumers determine if their information has been potentially impacted and to sign up for one year of complimentary credit file monitoring and identity theft protection. Equifax, a major credit reporting agency, recently announced a cybersecurity breach potentially impacting approximately 143 million U.S.
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