![]() To place, temporarily lift, or permanently remove a security freeze from Experian and TransUnion, the other two major credit reporting agencies, you'll still need a PIN number. "Credit freezes are consumers' best protection against new account fraud, and consumers should take advantage of free freezes, lifts, and removals at the three major credit bureaus to help reduce the risk of identity theft," says Maureen Mahoney, policy analyst for Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. Any previously frozen credit reports will remain frozen until a consumer changes the report's status. If you've lost your number, a new one can be requested by downloading, filling out, and mailing this form to Equifax. Your old Equifax PIN will still be valid in these instances. However, if you want to manage your Equifax report by phone or by mail, Bistritz-Balkan says you'll still need a PIN number. A username and password will be necessary to thaw or lift your credit freeze online, she says. "We wanted to create an online experience that enables consumers to securely and conveniently manage security freezes and fraud alerts," says Nancy Bistritz-Balkan, Equifax's vice president of consumer education & advocacy. To create the account you'll have to provide information such as your name, Social Security number, and home address. Now, you need to open a new online account with Equifax in order to manage your credit, even if you've already been issued a PIN number by the company. Before the new law was enacted, Equifax would give you a PIN number to initiate a credit freeze.
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