Is a Security Freeze and a Credit Freeze on credit report the same thing?

[Anonymous]

Trying to put a freeze on my credit reports. I always heard it as a credit freeze, but CRAs seem to list it as a security freeze.  Are they different?

[Anonymous]

Why don't you call them and find out? Then pass the word to us.

Sounds like the same thing, doesn't it? Honestly, I don't know.

[Anonymous]

Varies widely by state. In what state do you reside?

[Anonymous]

I called and was told they are the same, and the fee for Tennessee is $7.50, with no charge to unfreeze.

[Anonymous]

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kenbo wrote:

I called and was told they are the same, and the fee for Tennessee is $7.50, with no charge to unfreeze.

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It depends.

Some call Fraud Alerts a Security Freeze. FAs are more of an annoyance than any sort of real security measure.

Tennessee's Credit Freeze law appears not to take effect until January 2008 and then other parts of it not until January 2009.

http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns//learn_more/003484indiv.html#TN
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20060911b1.asp

[Anonymous]

It seems since the main CRA will allow credit freezes from all states at a cost of $10.00 to freeze and unfreeze for credit inquiries.  The freeze is free for ID theft victims, and some states for individuals over a certain age or with a disability.  If you search the internet or go to www.clarkhoward.com, you should be able to see and download the list of states and required fees.