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How-to · Consumer help

Freeze your credit and temporarily lift a freeze

A free credit freeze can help prevent new credit accounts being opened in your name.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Contact all three bureausRequest a freeze from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
  2. Lift a freeze when you need creditAsk the lender which bureau it uses, request a lift there, and restore the freeze after the credit check.
  • How-to

    Appeal a denied National Flood Insurance Program claim

    Consumer help
    1. Ask the insurer about the denialDiscuss overlooked facts, documents or mistakes with your adjuster or insurer without missing the appeal deadline.
    2. Prepare and send the appealUse FEMA’s claim appeal form, explain the disputed issues, and attach the denial letter and supporting evidence. Follow the official page’s mail or email instructions and preserve proof of timely submission.
    CostThere is no fee to file a FEMA appeal.
    FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
  • How-to

    Block identity-theft debts from your credit reports

    Consumer help
    1. Prepare the blocking requestInclude an identity-theft report, proof of identity and a letter identifying fraudulent debts and information. IdentityTheft.gov provides a sample letter.
    2. Submit to each affected reporting companySend the request to the credit reporting companies showing the fraudulent information. Qualifying information must be blocked within four business days after receipt.
    Consumer reporting companies; CFPB guidance
  • How-to

    Challenge a checking-account report that caused a bank denial

    Consumer help
    1. Request the reportFind the reporting company’s name in the bank’s adverse-action notice. Contact that company for a free copy and check for errors.
    2. Dispute errors in writingContact the reporting company in writing. Banks and credit unions that supplied information also have duties to investigate and correct disputed errors; use the CFPB sample letters.
    3. Ask about other account optionsA different institution may use different criteria. Ask about accounts designed to avoid overdraft risks.
    Checking-account reporting companies; CFPB guidance