Freeze Your Credit Before Thieves Do It for You — Here’s How
Freeze Your Credit Before Thieves Do It for You — Here’s How
Identity theft isn’t just a hassle — it’s a financial nightmare. Once a thief gets your Social Security number, they can open credit cards, take out loans, or even buy cars in your name. But there’s one simple, free step that stops them cold: freezing your credit.
If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry — it’s easier than you think. Here’s exactly how to protect yourself before a criminal does it for you.
What a Credit Freeze Actually Does
When you freeze your credit, you lock your credit reports at the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — so lenders can’t check your file.
That means:
- No one (including you) can open new accounts until you lift the freeze.
- Thieves can’t use your identity to get credit in your name.
- It doesn’t affect your credit score or existing accounts.
In other words, it’s the ultimate “pause button” for identity theft.
Why You Should Freeze Your Credit Now
Hackers don’t wait. Data breaches happen daily, and millions of Social Security numbers are already circulating on the dark web.
Even if your info hasn’t been misused yet, it’s smart to freeze your credit before something happens.
According to the FTC, credit freezes are one of the most effective ways to prevent fraudulent accounts from being opened.
Pro Tip: Children and seniors are prime targets for identity theft. Freezing their credit protects them too — even if they’ve never had a loan or credit card.
How to Freeze Your Credit (Step-by-Step)
1. Equifax
Go to www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze
You’ll need to create or log into your account, confirm your identity, and choose “Place a Security Freeze.”
You can also call 800-685-1111.
2. Experian
Visit www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
Follow the on-screen instructions, verify your details, and you’ll get a personal PIN to unfreeze later.
Phone: 888-397-3742.
3. TransUnion
Head to www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
Sign up or log in, confirm your identity, and select “Add Freeze.”
Phone: 888-909-8872.
Each bureau must be frozen separately — freezing one doesn’t automatically lock the others.
How to Unfreeze When You Need Credit
If you’re applying for a loan, job, or new apartment, you can temporarily lift the freeze online or by phone using your PIN.
You can choose:
- Temporary thaw for a specific time period, or
- Targeted thaw for one specific lender.
It usually takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Credit Freeze | Fraud Alert |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks new credit entirely | ✅ | ❌ |
| Free for everyone | ✅ | ✅ |
| Requires PIN or login to unfreeze | ✅ | ❌ |
| Duration | Until lifted | 1 year (renewable) |
| Best for | Preventing new accounts | Notifying lenders to verify identity |
A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps before approving credit — but a freeze completely shuts access down.
Smart Add-Ons to Strengthen Your Defense
Freezing your credit is powerful, but you can go further with these free or low-cost tools:
- Credit Monitoring: Get alerts when new accounts or inquiries appear.
- Dark Web Scan: Check if your info is being sold online.
- Password Manager: Protects logins from phishing attempts.
- Identity Theft Protection: Covers restoration services and insurance if fraud occurs.
Recommended services:
- Aura – Real-time dark web and identity monitoring.
- LifeLock – Monitors your Social Security and credit.
- IdentityIQ – Includes score tracking and alerts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Freezing only one bureau instead of all three.
- Forgetting to unfreeze before applying for legitimate credit.
- Losing your PIN or login credentials.
- Ignoring family members’ credit files.
- Assuming credit monitoring replaces a freeze — it doesn’t.
Pro Tip: Save your PINs in a secure password manager so you can easily access them later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does freezing my credit hurt my score?
A: No. It simply restricts access — it doesn’t change your score or history.
Q: Can I still use my existing credit cards?
A: Yes. Freezes only affect new credit applications.
Q: How long does a credit freeze last?
A: Indefinitely, until you choose to lift it.
Q: Can identity thieves still steal my existing card info?
A: Yes, a freeze doesn’t block purchases — keep monitoring statements for unusual activity.
Q: Can I freeze my child’s credit?
A: Yes. You can place a freeze for minors under 16 by mailing documentation to each bureau.
Credit Freezes Are Free
A credit freeze is free, takes less than 10 minutes, and can save you years of financial stress.
Think of it as putting your credit behind an unbreakable vault door — one that only you can unlock.
Protect yourself before thieves do it for you.
Start your freeze today at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and pair it with trusted identity protection tools to stay fully secure.
