Aug 26, 2024 · A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report. If you suspect your personal information or identity was stolen, placing a credit freeze can help protect you from fraud.

Jan 31, 2025 · Here’s how a credit freeze can protect you: it stops lenders from getting into your credit report. Because lenders usually won’t give you credit if they can’t review your credit report, a freeze can help stop would-be identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. Some more things to know:

Credit freezes and fraud alerts can help protect you from identity theft. They can also help stop someone who stole your identity from continuing to misuse it. Credit freezes and fraud alerts work in different ways. Learn the differences, how to place a freeze or alert, and how long they last.

Sep 16, 2019 · Consumers often believe that a credit freeze protects against identity theft. But it doesn't cover everything. Consumer Reports explains how to better protect yourself.

It's always free, easy and a great way to protect yourself from identity theft. Freeze your credit through the TransUnion Service Center. It's free and won't affect your credit score. Think of it as an extra layer of security for your credit report.

Jan 22, 2025 · If you are a victim of identity theft, place fraud alerts or security freezes on your credit reports, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov, and take steps to protect your credit history and finances. What should I do immediately upon identity theft?

A credit freeze request can be used proactively to secure your credit against scammers — such as if you think you’re at risk of identity theft or you want to freeze your child’s credit until they’re older. Or, they can be used to secure your accounts after you’ve been the victim of identity theft.

Feb 3, 2022 · If you’ve experienced identity theft, you can get an extended fraud alert that lasts for seven years. Learn more about credit freezes, fraud alerts, and active duty alerts for service members. And, if identity theft happens to you, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a personal recovery plan.

Sep 9, 2024 · Many people don't freeze their credit until their info gets exposed in a data breach — but you can also keep this protection in place before it happens. If your personal information is exposed...

Credit freezes can be an effective tool to prevent identity theft by making it more difficult for someone to open accounts or obtain credit in your name. However, it’s important to remember that credit freezes are not foolproof and may not prevent all instances of identity theft or fraud.