How to Lock Your Credit to Protect Against Identity Theft

## Understanding Credit Locks and Freezes A credit lock or freeze is a powerful security measure that restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. While credit locks can be easily managed online or via mobile apps, both options provide essential protection against unauthorized access to your credit information. ## Why Lock or Freeze Your Credit? - **Prevent Unauthorized Access**: Stop lenders from accessing your credit report without permission - **Real-Time Protection**: Many services offer instant alerts about attempted access - **Peace of Mind**: Reduce risk of fraudulent accounts being opened in your name - **Free Service**: Credit freezes and unfreezes are free by federal law since September 2018 ## Steps to Secure Your Credit ### 1. Contact the Major Credit Bureaus You'll need to work with each of the three major credit bureaus separately: - **Equifax**: [Lock & Alert](https://www.equifax.com/personal/products/credit/credit-lock-alert/) program - **Experian**: [Experian CreditWorks](https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-education/preventing-fraud/security-freeze/) - **TransUnion**: [TrueIdentity](https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze) ### 2. Provide Required Information Be prepared to supply: - Full name - Current address - Date of birth - Social Security number - Additional identity verification if requested ### 3. Secure Your PINs > Keep your PIN in a safe place! You'll need it when you want to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze. ## Managing Your Credit Protection ### When to Temporarily Lift Protection You may need to unlock your credit when: 1. Applying for a new credit card 2. Shopping for a car loan 3. Applying for a mortgage 4. Starting new utility service 5. Applying for a job (some employers check credit) Most bureaus can process unlock requests within one hour. ## Additional Protection Measures While credit locks and freezes are robust, implement these complementary security measures: * Enable two-factor authentication on financial accounts * Monitor credit reports regularly at [AnnualCreditReport.com](https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action) * Use strong, unique passwords for all financial accounts * Review bank and credit card statements regularly * Be cautious with sharing personal information * Set up fraud alerts with financial institutions ## Special Considerations ### For Children Parents can freeze their children's credit for free, which is crucial since children's Social Security numbers are attractive to identity thieves due to their clean credit histories. ### For Seniors Older adults should be especially vigilant about securing their credit, as they are frequent targets for scammers and identity thieves. ## Limitations Be aware that credit locks and freezes: * Won't prevent use of existing accounts * Won't stop all types of identity theft * Won't affect your credit score * Won't prevent access to your free annual credit reports For more detailed guidance on identity theft protection, visit the Federal Trade Commission's [Identity Theft](https://www.identitytheft.gov/) website.

How to Lock Your Credit to Protect Against Identity Theft

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