![]() The same is true for LifeLock, a company that has been repeatedly fined by the government for unfair and deceptive trade practices. You’ll still have to put in the time to get your file corrected. That is not good protection against identity theft. ![]() Instead, they alert you of a potential fraud after the fact-if their monitoring claims hold true. Credit monitoring does not stop a thief from opening a new account in your name. It is imperative that you freeze your credit immediately at the big three credit bureaus-Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.Ī security freeze offers greater protection than the highly advertised credit monitoring and fraud alert. That PIN must be used in order for anyone to access your credit file or add new credit in your name. A security freeze locks your credit file at each bureau with a special PIN that only you know. A hacker can use that data to steal your identity and obtain new credit without your knowledge. Given the sheer number of recent data breaches, it’s very likely that your personal information-name, birthdate, Social Security number-has already been exposed. ![]() It makes it easy and quick to obtain new lines of credit-you fill out an application, the lender checks your credit, and you’re approved if you meet the standards. By default, your credit files at Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion are open and unsecure. The credit agencies have been reluctant to share this fact because it disrupts the low-friction credit system. You can with something called a credit freeze or security freeze. After each new “unprecedented” hack, you’re rushed into a free credit monitoring program that promises to watch your files and alert you to any unusual activity.īut is that enough to truly keep you safe? Shouldn’t you be able to stop criminals from fraudulently opening new credit rather than being alerted after the fraud has taken place? The headlines come at us constantly-143 million records leaked at Equifax, one billion exposed in a Yahoo breach, and 110 million records compromised at Target. Learn about a simple step you can take to protect your identity today. The same form can also be used to temporarily or permanently lift a credit freeze.The latest data breach may have you worried about your personal information. We recommend sending the letter via certified mail. You'll need to mail it, along with copies of your Social Security card or pay stubs showing the number, plus copies of your driver's license, utility bills or other documents showing your address, to: Print and fill out the form on this page. How to set up a credit freeze with Equifax by mail Once your freeze is set up, you'll be given a PIN that will unfreeze your credit. You'll be asked for your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number to verify your identity. Eastern time during the week, and between 9 a.m. How to set up a credit freeze with Equifax by telephoneĬall Equifax at (888) 298-0045 between 9 a.m. You won't need to set up a PIN to unfreeze it if you have an Equifax account - your username and password will be enough. Then you'll be able to freeze your credit. Make sure the password is unique and strong. Equifax will retrieve your information and prompt you to set up an Equifax account. ![]() Then you'll have to fill out personal information, including your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number. Go to the dedicated page on the Equifax website at and click "Get started with a freeze." This is the easiest way to freeze your credit with Equifax. How to set up a credit freeze with Equifax online We also have guides on how to freeze your credit with Experian and how to freeze your credit with TransUnion. Equifax doesn't let you have a credit lock and a credit freeze at the same time.īelow is how to set up an Equifax credit freeze. The difference is that Lock & Report isn't regulated by the federal government, and Equifax makes more money if it's easier to unlock your files. To do this with a credit freeze, you have to log into your account on the Equifax website. Equifax also offers a free service called "Lock & Report" that is basically the same as a credit freeze, except that there are mobile apps for iOS and Android that let you "unlock" your Equifax credit file with a swipe of a finger.
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