What is a credit freeze and how does it work?

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. It is free to place and lift, and does not affect your credit score. You must freeze your credit at all three bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

How do I freeze my credit?

Contact each bureau directly: Equifax (equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services), Experian (experian.com/freeze), and TransUnion (transunion.com/credit-freeze). You can freeze online, by phone, or by mail. Each bureau will provide a PIN to lift the freeze when needed.

Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?

No. A credit freeze has zero impact on your credit score. It only prevents new creditors from accessing your report. Your existing accounts, credit cards, and loans continue to function normally.

Identity Lockdown Checklist — You're Already a Target

🔒 Credit freezes are your first line of defense. This is the single most important security action you can take.

🔒 Freeze Your Credit

Prevent criminals from opening accounts in your name by locking your credit at all three bureaus.

Freeze credit at EquifaxVisit freeze.equifax.com. Takes 10 minutes. Free by law. You'll receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unfreeze later. Freeze credit at ExperianVisit freeze.experian.com. Same process as Equifax. Save your PIN in your password manager. Freeze credit at TransUnionVisit freeze.transunion.com. Complete the three-bureau lockdown. This stops most new account fraud instantly. Freeze your children's credit at all three bureausChildren are prime targets because their credit goes unmonitored for years. Use their SSN and your address. Freeze all three immediately after birth, ideally. Store your credit freeze PINs securely in your password managerYou'll need these PINs to temporarily unfreeze when you need new credit (mortgage, car loan, etc). Without them, unfreezing takes weeks.

⚠ Set Up Fraud Alerts

Add a second layer of protection with fraud alerts that notify you of suspicious activity.

Set initial fraud alert at EquifaxCall 1-800-525-6285 or visit the website. The alert lasts 1 year and notifies lenders before opening new accounts. Set initial fraud alert at ExperianCall 1-888-397-3742. Ask for the alert to be placed on all three bureaus (they coordinate this). Set initial fraud alert at TransUnionCall 1-888-909-8872. Provides free credit monitoring during the 1-year alert period. Review your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.comYou get three free reports yearly (one from each bureau). Check for accounts you didn't open. Look for fraudulent addresses and inquiries. Schedule a calendar reminder to renew fraud alerts annuallyThey expire after 1 year. Set a phone reminder for your renewal date so you don't lose protection.

🔍 Remove Yourself from Data Brokers

Reduce the personal information available for criminals to buy. This is slow but essential work.

Opt out of SpokeoVisit spokeo.com/optout. Upload government ID for verification. This is time-consuming but worth it. Opt out of BeenVerifiedVisit beenverified.com/optout. They aggregate data from 600+ sources. Removing yourself limits criminal reconnaissance. Opt out of WhitePagesVisit whitepages.com/opt-out-whitepages-directory. One of the largest people-search databases. Takes 24-48 hours to process. Opt out of PeopleFinder and similar servicesSearch for "[your name] opt out" or use opt-out services. There are hundreds of data brokers — focus on the largest first.

💱 Protect Your Tax Identity

Prevent criminals from filing fraudulent tax returns in your name.

Apply for IRS Identity Protection PINVisit irs.gov/ippin or call the IRS. This unique PIN is required on any return filed in your name. Without it, fraudulent returns get rejected. Renew your IPPIN annuallyYou must reapply each year. Set a calendar reminder for November/December (before tax season) to request your new PIN. Enable IRS e-Services account protectionCreate a strong password and enable multi-factor authentication on your IRS online account if you have one.

This checklist is from You're Already a Target by Corey White.

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