IDENTITY THEFT · HOW-TO

FREEZE YOUR CREDIT IN 15 MINUTES

It's free, and it blocks thieves cold

File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

WHY IT MATTERS

Thieves can't open credit

A freeze stops new cards and loans in your name, even if a criminal has your SSN.

File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

THE COST

$0 by federal law

Freezing and unfreezing is free at every bureau.

File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

THE CATCH

Do all three bureaus

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion each need their own freeze.

File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

STEP 1

Go to the official sites

Type equifax.com, experian.com/freeze and transunion.com/credit-freeze yourself.

File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

STEP 2

Verify who you are

Have your SSN, birth date and address ready. Expect a text code or quiz.

File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

STEP 3

Save your PIN

You'll need your PIN or login to lift the freeze later.

File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

NEED A LOAN?

Lift it in minutes

Online thaws must happen within one hour. Pick a temporary lift.

File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

GOOD TO KNOW

No hit to your score

A freeze doesn't affect your score or your existing cards.

File photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

FREE U.S. GUIDE

Lock down your identity

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.