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Learning Center:
About Security Freezes
A security freeze limits access to your Innovis Credit Report so that potential new lenders or creditors cannot access your report without permission. By law, it is available to consumers in about half the country. At Innovis, we allow all consumers to place security freezes on their Innovis Credit Reports (please refer to Security Freeze - Fees for applicable charges).
"Unfreezing" your credit report for temporary access
(temporary lift) takes time; a security freeze may prevent access to instant credit
at the point of sale and delay applications for new credit.
Security Freeze at a Glance
What would a creditor who requests my Innovis Credit Report see if it were frozen?
The creditor would see a message or a code indicating that the report is frozen.
Can I order my own Innovis Credit Report while a freeze is in place?
Yes.
Would having a security freeze on my Innovis Credit Report lower my credit score?
Innovis does not provide credit scores. The presence of a security freeze would not affect a credit score.
Do I need to freeze my report separately with all four credit reporting agencies?
Security freezes are not shared between credit reporting agencies. If you want your credit report frozen at all credit reporting agencies, you must freeze it with each: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion and Innovis.
How long does a security freeze stay in place?
Generally, a security freeze stays in place until you request its removal. In some states, security freezes automatically expire seven years after the date the report is frozen.
Who could see my Innovis Credit Report if a security freeze were in place?
Some organizations can always gain access to your Innovis Credit Report, even if you have a security freeze in place. Access varies by state, but generally the list includes:
- Your current creditors
- Collection agencies acting on behalf of your current creditors
- Creditors who want to extend pre-screened offers
- Law enforcement agencies conducting criminal background checks
- Government agencies charged with collecting child support payments or taxes, or with investigating medical fraud
Security Freeze Q & A
How does a security freeze work?
After we place a security freeze on your Innovis Credit Report, we will send you a 10-digit freeze confirmation number that allows you to manage your freeze. Unless the freeze is lifted, credit grantors will be presented with a message or code indicating that your report is frozen and preventing them from viewing the report.
To give credit grantors access, you may request a temporary or grantor lift. See How to Place a Security Freeze, for more information.
Who can establish a security freeze?
Innovis gives all consumers the option of placing a security freeze on their Innovis Credit Reports. See How to Place a Security Freeze, for more information.
How long will it take before a security freeze goes into effect?
We will add a security freeze to your Innovis Credit Report within the time period required by your state, usually within three business days of receiving your request.
How long will it take for a security freeze to be lifted?
Most states require we lift the freeze within three business days of receiving your request.
What are the down sides to placing a security freeze?
A security freeze may prevent credit grantors from accessing your credit report. Without access, credit grantors may not have enough information to make decisions on credit applications.
Security Freeze vs. Fraud Alert
Fraud alerts are notices added to your credit report. These alerts let creditors know that they should take extra steps to verify the identity of anyone applying for credit or seeking an increase in credit limits or before issuing a new credit card using your personal information.
Fraud alerts indicate the potential for fraud while still allowing credit grantors to access your credit report to make decisions on credit applications.
Security freezes limit access to your credit report. Generally, only you can view the report. To allow potential credit grantors to view it, you must request a temporary or grantor lift.
See About Fraud and Active Duty Alerts, for more information.
