A credit report security freeze generally allows a consumer to block access to his or her credit report by third parties (such as credit lenders or other companies) who are not exempted under law. 

All Virginians have a right to obtain a freeze on their credit report from the individual credit reporting agencies.

Unlike many identity theft protection methods which are only effective after identity theft has occurred, credit report freezes can help protect consumers from identity theft before it happens.

Credit report freezes are designed to prevent thieves from opening new accounts in the consumer's name. Businesses generally do not extend credit to an individual without first checking his or her credit report. Since a freeze blocks third parties from accessing a consumer's credit report, it makes it very difficult for a potential identity thief to fraudulently open a new account in your name.

Freezes may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of new loans, credit, mortgages, government services or payments, insurance, rental housing, employment, investments, licenses, cellular phone service, utility service, digital signature, Internet credit card transactions, and extension of in-store credit.

Since there may be a delay between the receipt of your request and the actual lift or removal, it is important to plan ahead to ensure that your credit report is accessible for purchases and other significant transactions.

In addition, a freeze will not prevent a thief from fraudulently using your existing credit card or bank accounts. Therefore, you should continue to regularly check your monthly bank account and credit card statements for signs of any suspicious activity.

Send a written request via certified mail or by using another method authorized by the credit reporting agency. The "Security Freeze” law does not specify what information the credit reporting agencies may require to place a freeze on your credit reports. Thus, each credit reporting agency has its own procedures in place. Check the individual agency's website for specific instructions on how to obtain a freeze. 

Equifax | Experian | TransUnion

You must contact each credit reporting agency with which you wish to place a freeze.

A temporary lift allows the credit reporting agency to release your credit report to a specified party (specific third party lift) or to all third parties with a permissible purpose for a specified period of time (global lift).

To obtain a temporary lift, you must contact the credit reporting agency with which you placed the freeze and provide proper identification and the unique personal identification number (PIN) or password assigned to you. You also must indicate the amount of time that you would like the freeze to be lifted or the specific party that can access the report. Credit reporting agencies generally are required to be able to lift a freeze within 15 minutes of their receipt of an electronic request.

You must contact each credit reporting agency with which you placed the freeze by written request or other authorized method. You will need your PIN or password when placing the request. It may take up to 3 days to remove the freeze.

If you are a victim of identity theft, the freeze may be placed, lifted, or removed for free.

If you are not a victim of identity theft, credit reporting agencies are permitted by statute to charge you a fee to place the security freeze. The "Security Freeze” law does not authorize credit reporting agencies to charge fees for temporary lifts or removals of security freezes.

You may still get your free annual credit report or purchase a copy of your report or score. Placing the freeze does not affect your ability to obtain the report and it does not affect your credit score. Obtaining the free annual report is one way to find out if you have become the victim of identity theft. You can obtain your free annual report by going to the FTC's Annual Credit Report page.

FTC's Annual Credit Report

Yes, there are certain exceptions provided under law. These include: 

• Companies with which you have an existing account (e.g., your mortgage, credit card, or cell phone company, or their collection agencies)
• Any person or entity using the report with your permission to extend credit.
• State or local agencies, law enforcement agencies, trial courts, or private collection agencies acting under a court order, warrant, or subpoena
• Child support agencies
• The Commonwealth when investigating fraud, collecting delinquent taxes or unpaid court orders, or performing other statutory responsibilities
• Pre or post screening under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
• Any person or entity monitoring your credit file with your permission
• Any person or entity providing you a copy of the report upon your request
• Any person or entity using the information to set or adjust a rate, adjust a claim, or underwrite for insurance purposes
• Any employer in connection with any application for employment

Virginia Code §§ 59.1-444.1 and 59.1-444.2
Annual Credit Report.com
Fair Credit Reporting Act