Indiana To Join States Allowing Credit Freeze

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana will soon allow its residents to place a freeze on their credit reports, restricting access and improving identity theft protection, officials said.

On Sept. 1, Indiana will join the majority of states in allowing freezes. Attorney General Steve Carter touted the move as away to protect against fraud.

"I anticipate this will be a welcome tool for many people, and it gives Hoosiers an advantage in protecting themselves from financial and other fraud," Carter said.

As part of the new law, credit-reporting agencies such as Experian, TransUnion and Equifax will be required to place a freeze on an individual's report within five days of receiving a written request to do so.

The law provides a specific set of information that must be included in the written request for it to be valid, including disclosure of a full name, current and former addresses, a Social Security number, date of birth, photocopy of driver's license and proof of residence.

Applicants will get a personal identification number with instructions with which they can temporarily or permanently remove the freeze.

A resident can use the PIN to apply for new credit or access their own report.

There is no cost to the consumer for placing, lifting or removing a freeze. Written requests are required to change the freeze's status.

In 2009, the law expands to allow contacting credit-reporting agencies through e-mail.

Insurance companies, current creditors and law enforcement agencies will have access to consumers' credit information even if a freeze is in place.

The Indiana attorney general's Consumer Protection Division offers form letters that people can mail to request freezes.