INDIANAPOLIS | The new year will bring two new options for Hoosiers seeking to place a hold on their credit, Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter announced Tuesday.

A 2007 state law that kicks in Thursday will allow Indiana residents to request a credit freeze over the phone or via e-mail.

Hoosiers currently must send a letter to each of three credit reporting agencies.

"By allowing Indiana consumers to e-mail credit freeze requests, we are making it easier for them to add an extra layer of protection against identity theft and other forms of personal identity fraud," Carter said. "A credit freeze is just one of several tools of protection against identity theft that Hoosiers may take advantage of."

A credit freeze allows consumers to restrict access to their credit report and prevent unauthorized loans or credit cards from being issued in their name.

To request a credit freeze online, consumers should contact the three national consumer reporting agencies at. They are:

- Equifax Information Services: https://www.freeze.equifax.com

- Experian: http://www.experian.com/freeze

- TransUnion: https://annualcreditreport.transunion.com/fa/securityFreeze/landing