IMO, there seems to be more going on with the CRA.  I have NEVER heard of anyones file being permanently locked.  You verify who you are and that should take care of it.

I would file a complaint with the FTC and your states AG.  The AG may not be able to do anything but maybe point you in the right direction.

As stated above, it is federally mandated you get a free copy of your CR from each CRA every 12 months.