Freeze Your Credit Reports

Why

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, prevents new accounts from being opened in your name by restricting access to your credit report. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft and fraudulent accounts. By freezing your credit with all three major credit bureaus, you significantly reduce the risk of financial fraud.

Action

• Gather necessary information:

  • Full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number
  • Government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
  • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)

• Contact each of the three major credit bureaus:

  • Equifax:
    • Online: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/
    • Phone: 1-888-378-4329
  • Experian:
    • Online: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
  • TransUnion:
    • Online: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

• For each bureau:

  • Create an account (if online)
  • Verify your identity
  • Request the credit freeze
  • Note down the PIN or password provided by each bureau
  • Store this information securely; you’ll need it to lift the freeze

• Consider freezing your credit report at these additional bureaus:

  • Innovis
  • National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange (NCTUE)

• Important notes:

  • A freeze remains in place until you lift it
  • You can temporarily lift a freeze for specific creditors or time periods
  • Credit freezes are free by law
  • Set a reminder to check your free credit reports annually at AnnualCreditReport.com

Remember

A credit freeze doesn’t affect your credit score or prevent you from getting your free annual credit report. You’ll need to lift the freeze (temporarily or permanently) when applying for credit, jobs, or housing rentals that require a credit check.