Freeze your credit to prevent identity theft

Place a credit freeze with all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). A freeze prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. It is free, takes 10 minutes, and you can temporarily lift it when you need to apply for credit.

Why It Works

The most damaging consequence of a data breach is identity theft — someone opening loans or credit cards in your name. A credit freeze makes this impossible because lenders cannot pull your credit report without you unfreezing it first.

Tips

• Freeze at all three bureaus: Equifax (equifax.com), Experian (experian.com), TransUnion (transunion.com)
• Save the PINs or passwords each bureau gives you — you need them to unfreeze
• A freeze does not affect your credit score or existing accounts
• Temporarily unfreeze before applying for a mortgage, credit card, or rental application