A simple guide to freezing your credit

Your next steps

1. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for someone to open new credit in your name. It does not prevent every kind of fraud.
2. In the United States, freezing and unfreezing your credit is free. Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately through their official sites.
3. Keep your freeze account access details safe. Never share them with an unexpected caller.
4. Temporarily lift a freeze when applying for credit, and ask the lender which bureau they use.
5. Continue reviewing existing account statements. A freeze does not stop misuse of accounts already open.