IDENTITY THEFT · HOW-TO
It's free, and it blocks thieves cold
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WHY IT MATTERS
A freeze stops new cards and loans in your name, even if a criminal has your SSN.
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THE COST
Freezing and unfreezing is free at every bureau.
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THE CATCH
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion each need their own freeze.
File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
STEP 1
Type equifax.com, experian.com/freeze and transunion.com/credit-freeze yourself.
File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
STEP 2
Have your SSN, birth date and address ready. Expect a text code or quiz.
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STEP 3
You'll need your PIN or login to lift the freeze later.
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NEED A LOAN?
Online thaws must happen within one hour. Pick a temporary lift.
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GOOD TO KNOW
A freeze doesn't affect your score or your existing cards.
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FREE U.S. GUIDE
Freeze vs. lock vs. fraud alert, and how to protect your kids.
nexgenheadlines.com
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY / CC BY-SA) and public domain, shown as file photos. General information, not legal or financial advice.