A Security Freeze Can Protect Your Credit But Take Some Time to Thaw

· Indiana consumers can get a security freeze, and there is no fee.

Freeze laws that take effect Jan. 1:

· Residents of Arkansas can get a security freeze if they have been victims of identity theft.

· Maryland residents will be entitled to a freeze, and the credit bureaus can charge up to $5 to place, remove or temporarily lift it. There is no charge for identity-theft victims.

For full details on the various state and District laws, go to http://www.financialprivacynow.org, a Web site set up by Consumers Union. Click on "Learn More." Then look for "States With Security Freeze Laws." You will also find a link to instructions on how to place security freezes on your files.

I went to the Web sites for the three major credit bureaus and couldn't easily find security freeze information. You have to type "security freeze" in their search engines. And when you do go to the sites, don't be discouraged by grave warnings that a security freeze will interfere or prohibit the timely approval of vital credit. Certainly it will slow down the credit approval process.

But you know what? Perhaps the delay and expense in lifting and reinstating the freeze will have two effects. It will block you and identity thieves from easy credit.

· On the air: Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.

· By mail: Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

· By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

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