Freezing Your Credit

Placing a credit freeze (also called security freeze) on your credit profile restricts access to your credit report and prevents anyone from opening a new credit account using your information. This is a proactive step to reduce your risk of identity theft. A credit freeze does not affect your credit score or prevent you from getting a free annual credit report. Additionally, while effective at limiting the risk of identity theft, a credit freeze does not prevent fraudulent transactions from occurring on existing credit accounts.

To freeze your credit at no cost with the three major credit bureaus, visit the links or call the numbers detailed below. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and other personal information.

• Equifax
  equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
  1-800-685-1111
• Experian
  experian.com/freeze/center.html
  1-888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
• TransUnion
  transunion.com/credit-freeze
  1-888-909-8872

Each credit bureau will provide you with a unique PIN or password, which will be required if you need to lift the freeze permanently or temporarily to open a new account. Be sure to keep the PIN or password in a safe and secure place.