Worried About Data Breaches? Here’s How to Freeze Your Credit Right Now
I’ll go back and forth Freeze my credibility A few weeks before I actually did it. As a personal finance editor covering identity theft, I know that Making cybercriminals harder To open a new credit account in my name – but this will also add some extra steps for me.
When you freeze your credit, you have to thaw it manually or “thaw” it Three major credit bureaus As long as you want to apply for a new credit card, car loan or mortgage.
The process of freezing credibility is not that simple. It involves registering a single account through Equifax, Transunion and Experian and freezing your credit online or via phone or email.
But there were two benefits to sell me. First of all, freezing your credit is absolutely free. Second, you know you’ve eliminated the main tools in the Identity Thieves’ script, so you can rest assured.
Why do I freeze my credit report
Data breaches occur more frequently than you think, across multiple industry-widespreads. And it’s very likely that you compromise on your data at least once.
In 2024, Ticketmaster and AT&T Data breaches affecting millions of customers were reported. and background search company hackers National Public Data and UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Change health care It also damages the personal data of hundreds of millions of people. However, if you are worried about opening a new credit account in your name, a credit freeze will give you some peace of mind.
I’ve noticed the number of one scams I’ve received in my phone and email inbox over the past year. Most people are easy to sniff, but some do well research on the research.
I received all kinds of messages asking about my ribs and even providing me with new job opportunities. The pop-up of messages, phone calls and emails makes me think that at any given moment – distracted or anxious to go back to my desk for the next meeting – I could be a victim of a scam that could lead to identity theft.
Freezing my credibility is one of the best ways to protect your data and money, but it’s not foolproof. Fraudsters and identity thieves may still be able to access my personal information through an existing account. However, I can limit the damage.
Read more: 5 Signs of Your Personal Data on the Dark Web and What You Can Do
How do I freeze my credibility through Transunion, Equifax and Experian
When you freeze your credit, you need to use each of the three major credit bureaus to do it. This requires an account with each account – a process that takes about 30 minutes to go online. Usually, you need to provide the same information: your name, birthday and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You then need to complete two-factor authentication via text or email.
Transunion and Equifax can use dedicated tabs on the dashboard to freeze your credit after you create an account. After a few clicks, I have all set it up.
Experian makes this option harder to find. After clicking, I found two ways to activate free security freeze.
You can hover “Credit” on the dashboard over the dashboard and click Experian Credit Lock – Experian’s paid products are similar to credit freezes, but can lock your credit report immediately, among other features. On this page, you will see the free “Safe Freeze” option.
You can also scroll down to the bottom of the page when you log in and click on the Experian Credit Lock to get the same page. These three credit bureaus will confirm your credit freeze by email.
If you don’t want to set up an online account, you can call each credit bureau to freeze your credit. Here is each number:
- Transunion: 800-916-8800
- Equifax: 888-298-0045
- Experian: 888-397-3742
After the credit is required, each bureau must freeze your credit within one business day. When you need to thaw your credit, you need to thaw your credit within an hour, and you need to experience it, Transunion and Equifax. By email, it takes up to three working days to freeze and freeze your credit.
Freezing your credit will not resolve all your concerns about identity theft
Setting up a credit freeze is very simple. But I won’t tell you, freezing credit is very convenient. These are some disadvantages worth considering.
You must unfreeze your credit every time you open a new account
Freezing your credit can prevent cybercriminals or identity thieves from opening new credit accounts in your name. But that also stops you. To open a new credit account, you need to log in to your account or contact each of the three credit bureaus and temporarily free your credit.
If you’re thinking Apply for a new credit cardlook for yours The first home Or want to take out one New car loanit is best to wait until you open the account to freeze your credit.
Wrong sense of security
Freezing your credibility is a great step to protecting your identity, but it can still be stolen.
You may consider registering Identity theft protection service. Individual plans usually range from $7 to $15 depending on the level of financial and identity monitoring you want. With the Identity Theft Protection Program, you can monitor credit, bank accounts and the dark web for your or your family’s personal identity data or PII.
Also, you can take advantage of the free tools available. View you Monthly credit card and Bank statement. Also available online and your medical claim history Credit Report. You can download free credit reports CreditReport.com of the year.
It won’t stop spam messages
If the scammer has your phone number or email, you won’t be able to stop trying to cheat you out of money in your existing account.
It is best to block phone numbers and email addresses from unrecognized senders every time you receive a weird message. Also, take a minute to read the message carefully before clicking the link.
It won’t end new credit offers
Freezing your credit will also not eliminate spam and pre-filtered offers you receive. Credit freezes are designed to prevent Work hard to consult your creditsuch as a rental application or application Student Loans. You can still expect to receive quotes from credit card companies, insurance companies, etc.
The financial institution you have already established a relationship with, and the debt collector can also view your credibility. In special cases, federal, state and local governments can do so.
Credit Karma and Credit Sesame companies like Credit Monitoring Companies can still provide you with the latest credit scores.
You still need good password hygiene
Even if your credit is frozen, you still need to make sure your password is good. Make sure not to use the same login information on multiple sites – Using the same login is a common strategy for cybercriminals.
If tracking your password becomes overwhelming, consider paying Password manager. CNET recommends Bitwarden.
It won’t protect your bank account information
Even if you freeze your credit, it is still your responsibility to protect your bank account information from the scammers.
If you mistakenly provide any account or login information to cybercriminals, please contact your bank immediately and change your password.
Finally, I’m glad I’ve frozen my credibility
There are pros and cons to freeze your credit. However, since there is no plan to open a new account anytime soon, it is worth it for me. I also feel safer after doing this. It’s nice to know that I’ve thrown the wrench into any cybercriminal’s plan.
Of course, spam messages keep rolling. But I can be the gatekeeper of my financial account. I have developed the habit of checking my bank and credit card statements regularly.
