Fraud Alert & Credit Freeze Setup

Two free tools

• Fraud Alert — bureaus must verify your identity before approving NEW credit. Lasts 1 year (free) or 7 years (with ID-theft report).
• Credit Freeze — locks your credit reports completely. NO new credit can be opened without you unfreezing first. Strongest protection.

Both are FREE since 2018. Banks tried to charge for years — federal law now bans fees.

Credit Freeze — recommended for most people

You must freeze with all 3 credit bureaus (separate steps):

1. Equifax — equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services or 1-800-685-1111.
2. Experian — experian.com/freeze or 1-888-397-3742.
3. TransUnion — transunion.com/credit-freeze or 1-888-909-8872.

Each gives you a PIN. WRITE DOWN ALL 3 PINs. Need them to unfreeze later.

When to thaw (unfreeze)

• Applying for a credit card.
• Getting a mortgage or refi.
• Buying a car (loan).
• New apartment (landlord pulls credit).
• New utility account.

Thaw online with your PIN — usually instant. Re-freeze when done. Each thaw can be temporary (1-30 days) or permanent.

Fraud Alert (alternative — slightly less strong)

1. Place at any ONE bureau. They notify the other two automatically.
2. Lasts 1 year. Free to renew.
3. If you confirm ID theft (police report), get 7-year extended fraud alert.
4. Doesn't lock credit — just adds a "verify identity" step.

Other free protection

• annualcreditreport.com — pull your free credit reports weekly (since 2023). Check for unfamiliar accounts.
• IRS Identity Protection PIN — get free at IRS.gov. Stops tax-return fraud. 6-digit PIN required to file.
• Social Security my Social Security account — at ssa.gov, lock your number. Prevents fake claims.
• identitytheft.gov — FTC's recovery plan if you become a victim.