A Credit Freeze Request Letter is a letter that can be sent to a credit reporting agency asking that access to a credit report be restricted. A credit freeze restricts access to a person's credit report. Without this access, it is significantly more difficult for identity thieves to open new lines of credit in the person's name. This is an especially effective tool to use if someone does not plan to use their credit for a period of time, as this complicates the process. Once the person would like to use their credit again, by getting a new credit card, loan, or mortgage, for example, they can then send a letter asking that their credit be unfrozen while also providing proof of their identity.

A letter must be sent to each credit bureau indiviually.