What is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze (or security freeze) is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft and stop identity theft. If you are a victim of ID theft, this is the first step you need to take to stop the criminal.

With a security freeze, no one can open ANY form of credit in your name. Potential lenders, insurers, and future employers cannot access your credit without your permission.

If some jerk stole your credit card, wallet, or personal information of any kind, this should be the first step you would take to prevent them from doing any damage to your credit.

If you are trying to obtain a loan, getting a new job, or in any position where someone may need to access your credit report, you should notify them that your credit is locked or "frozen". If not they may try to check your credit, get denied access to your report, and turn down your request for a loan. If you do put a lock on your report, you are the only person with access to your credit.

If your are considering locking your credit report you need to contact the credit bureaus for more information...

• www.experian.com
• www.equifax.com
• www.transunion.com

A security freeze may not be available in all states, some states may charge you fees for this service, but most states have liberal policies for victims of identity theft who want a credit freeze. The list of states that offer this service is always being updated. This is why I encourage you to contact the credit bureaus first. If you rely on various websites for specific information on security freeze status for each state, they may have changed since the last update on the website.

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