Credit Lock / Unlock:  Step by Step Guide to Freeze & Unfreeze Credit with Credit Bureaus

In the wake of daily data breaches, placing a credit freeze is a critical step in protecting your personal information from identity theft.

A credit freeze or credit lock can prevent unauthorized individuals from opening new accounts or accessing your credit information. Acting quickly and thoroughly in response to data breaches is crucial to minimizing the risk of potential harm. Additionally, regularly monitoring your credit report and being cautious with your personal information can also help prevent identity theft and fraud.

Here are the steps to place a credit freeze.

• Visit Credit Bureau Websites.

Visit the website for each of the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, TransUnion.  You will find clear instructions on each site to request a credit freeze.

• Contact each credit bureau individually.

You will need to complete a freeze on each of the three credit bureaus.

• Create a free, secure account on each credit bureau website.

Securely store your account information including username, passwords, and PINs in a secure location.

• Verify Your Identity.

You will need to provide the following information: name, address, birthdate, phone number, social security number. You may also need to create a security question or a PIN.

• Additional Verification.

Each bureau may send you an email or a text message with verification codes. Keep these codes in a safe place.

• Utilize a Password Manager to Store Information Safely

Once you have completed the process, store all the information you wrote down in a very safe place.  We recommend utilizing a Password Manager to create complex and unique passwords for each account. You will need this information to freeze and unfreeze your accounts as needed.

Watch Out for Charges

Remember, a credit freeze should be free of charge, so be cautious of any services that require payment.

By acting quickly, you are proactively protecting yourself from identity theft and fraudulent activities.

Get Protection Now

Reach out to us today to find out how an Alliance Protection Plan can help you protect your personal information and financial security. We’re here to provide you with all the information you need to help make prioritizing your identity protection FIRST.