Freeze Your Credit & ID Thieves

If you are one of the many unfortunate people who fall victim to identity theft, freezing your credit file is one of the cheapest, easiest and quickest methods to limit the damage. Credit-file freezing, now available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, prevents anyone, even you, from opening a new account with your name and credentials.

The procedures for freezing your credit file vary by state and require notifying all three credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Consumer’s Union has a detailed, state-specific guide for freezing your credit file.

It is important to remember that freezing your credit file does not protect any active accounts that may have already been compromised; it simply protects you from the creation of additional, fraudulent accounts. If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft please contact your bank, credit card company, and any other lenders immediately.