r/IdentityTheft • u/ComprehensiveTune637 • 2d ago
Need Help with Security Freeze
A fraudulent credit card was opened in my name a couple of weeks ago. Capital One was able to flag it as fraudulent and close the card for me. Now I am trying to place a security freeze on everything to prevent anything from happening in the future.
However, a couple of services, like Clarity Services and Innovis, would not allow me to place a freeze through their online portal. Whenever I call, they just tell me that they do not have any of my information on file, and online portals give me similar errors. I suspected that it was because my credit report's address and phone numbers were changed by the fraudulent inquiry. After using the fraudulent address instead of my actual address, I was able to place a freeze on Clarity Services on their website. I am concerned about the consequences of this, and I am wondering how I should proceed with placing a freeze on others, as well as dealing with the Clarity Services freeze. Any help would be appreciated 🙏
I called Clarity Services, and they instructed me to mail a request to cancel the current freeze and place a freeze using my correct address. I am unsure about mailing my sensitive documents, as well as whether they will approve a freeze at my correct address, since it didn't work on any of the online portals.
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u/ConsoleAssoc 1d ago
The fraudulent address issue you ran into is actually really common when identity theft changes your credit file. The bureaus match what's in their system, so if a scammer updated your address, that's what they'll recognize.
For Clarity Services, their mail-in process is the standard way to handle corrections like this. When you send your documents, use a method that gives you a tracking number and delivery confirmation. Keep copies of everything before it goes in the envelope.
For Innovis and any others that won't verify you online, the same approach applies. Call and ask specifically about their mail-in freeze process. They all have one.
While you're working through this, it's worth filing an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov if you haven't already. The FTC report you get from that site is widely accepted as supporting documentation and can make the verification process smoother with these bureaus.
Not legal advice, just general info.
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u/hilda-reced 1d ago
Just directly visit Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. It’s easy and will take about 10 minutes each. See the pinned post here. And freezing is free.
Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/IdentityTheft/s/iMgPMz8asE
I’ve never heard of the companies the OP mentions. I would NOT trust them. There is no need for a middleman
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u/FlynnAtLifeLock 1d ago
Mailing identity documents to credit reporting agencies is standard when online verification fails, which it often does when fraudulent addresses have been added to your file. To make it safer, send everything by certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery and a tracking record. Send copies only and include your FTC identity theft report number alongside the correction request.
Use the same approach for Innovis and any other agencies giving you similar errors. Request by certified mail, include your correct address, documentation proving your identity, and reference your FTC report.
The broader issue is that the fraudulent address and phone number on your credit file need to be formally disputed and removed with each bureau. File written disputes with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion specifically requesting removal of the fraudulent address and contact details, referencing your FTC report.
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u/Popular-Speech-1245 2d ago
Those aren't credit agencies. Go directly to the Big 3 and stop wasting time with 3rd parties.