Identity theft is on the rise, and protecting your financial future has never been more important. One of the most effective measures you can take is to freeze your credit for free, ensuring that unauthorized parties can’t access your credit report to open new accounts. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, making it simple to secure your credit and safeguard your identity.Table of Contents
What You Need Before Starting a Freeze Your Credit for Free
Before you begin, gather the following essential information and documents:
Personal Information: Your full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and any past addresses (usually for the last two years).
Identification: A government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license) and a recent utility bill or bank statement as proof of address.
Contact Info: A valid phone number and email address.
Having these ready will streamline the process whether you choose to freeze your credit online, by phone, or by mail.
1. Freezing Your Equifax Credit Report
Online (Fastest)
Visit the official Equifax Security Freeze page and log in or create your myEquifax account.
Enter your personal information (name, Social Security number, address, etc.) to verify your identity.
Follow the on-screen instructions to place a freeze on your credit report. A confirmation will be provided immediately.
By Phone
Call Equifax’s freeze hotline at 1-800-349-9960 or reach customer care at (888) 298-0045. Provide your details and record any confirmation number or PIN given.
By Mail
Download and complete the Security Freeze Request Form from Equifax’s website, then mail it along with copies of your ID and proof of address to:
Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Using certified mail is recommended to ensure delivery. Equifax will mail you a confirmation along with a PIN/password for future use.
Provide the required personal information for identity verification.
Follow the prompts to place the freeze. Confirmation is provided immediately.
By Phone
Call Experian at 1-888-397-3742 to initiate the freeze via their automated system or to speak with a representative. Note the PIN or confirmation details provided.
Include your full name, address history, Social Security number, and date of birth. Attach copies of a government-issued ID and a proof of address document. Certified mail is recommended.
Provide your personal details and complete the identity verification process.
Follow the instructions to place a freeze on your credit report. Confirmation should appear immediately.
By Phone
Call TransUnion at 1-800-916-8800 (or 1-888-909-8872) and follow the automated prompts or speak with a representative. Record any provided PIN or confirmation.
By Mail
Mail your freeze request to:
TransUnion
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094
Include all required personal details and attach copies of your ID and proof of address. Use certified mail for delivery confirmation.
Important Notes and Tips About Credit Freezes
Freeze All Three: For complete protection, freeze your credit report at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion individually.
Free and No Impact: Credit freezes are free and do not affect your credit score.
Individual Action: Each adult must freeze their own credit report. One freeze does not extend to family members.
Indefinite Duration: A freeze stays in place until you decide to lift it.
Lifting the Freeze: When applying for new credit, temporarily lift the freeze using your online account or PIN. Online or phone requests are processed within one hour; mail requests may take up to three business days.
Does Not Affect Existing Accounts: The freeze stops new credit applications but does not interfere with existing creditors or pre-approved offers.
Secure Your PINs: Keep any confirmation numbers or PINs safe—they’re required to unfreeze your credit later.
Going Further: Professional Help with Identity Monitoring and Freezes
Freezing your credit is a strong defense against identity theft, but comprehensive protection goes further. For more peace of mind, consider professional services like Defend-ID. They offer:
Hands-Off Credit Freezing: Their experts can handle credit freezes at all three bureaus on your behalf.
24/7 Identity & Credit Monitoring: Continuous monitoring alerts you to any suspicious activity beyond new credit applications.
$1 Million Insurance & Recovery Support: In the event of identity theft, receive insurance coverage and expert assistance to recover your identity quickly.
Ongoing Guidance: Benefit from dedicated support to answer your identity protection questions and guide you through best practices.
While you can manage credit freezes yourself, Defend-ID offers an extra layer of security and convenience—ideal if you’d rather let experts handle it.
Identity theft is a serious crime that can devastate your finances and your life. When someone steals your personal information, they can use it to open new accounts in your name, run up debts, and damage your credit score. Here we will discuss How to Protect Your Credit from Identity Theft.
A low credit score makes it difficult to get approved for loans, credit cards, and other forms of credit. It can also make borrowing money more expensive since you will likely have to pay higher interest rates. A low credit score also makes it difficult to rent an apartment, get a job, or even get insurance.
How Identity Theft Can Ruin Your Credit Score
Identity thieves can damage your credit in various ways. Here are a few examples:
Opening New Accounts: Thieves can open new accounts in your name and not make payments, leading to collections and even bankruptcy.
Maxing Out Credit Cards: They can max out your existing credit cards, significantly damaging your credit score.
Changing Addresses: They can change the address on your accounts so you don’t receive important billing information, leading to missed payments and further damage to your credit score.
Filing for Bankruptcy: Thieves can file for bankruptcy in your name, which will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, making it very difficult to get approved for credit.
The Impact of a Low Credit Score Due to Identity Theft
A low credit score can significantly impact your life. Here are a few examples:
Loan Approval: You may not be able to get approved for a loan to buy a car or a home.
Higher Interest Rates: You may have to pay higher interest rates on credit cards and loans.
Difficulty Renting or Getting a Job: You may have difficulty renting an apartment or getting a job.
Insurance Issues: You may have difficulty getting insurance.
Job Promotions and Scholarships: You may be denied a job promotion or a scholarship.
The Emotional Impact of Identity Theft
Identity theft not only ruins your credit but also has a significant emotional impact on victims. Victims may experience feelings of anger, anxiety, stress, and depression. They may also feel violated, betrayed, and helpless.
According to a study by the Identity Theft Resource Center, 70% of identity theft victims experience emotional distress. The study also found that victims are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than people who have not been victims of identity theft.
If you are a victim of identity theft, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. Talking to someone about what you are going through can help you cope with the emotional impact of the crime.
Steps to Recover from Identity Theft
If you find yourself a victim of identity theft, don’t panic. Here’s a systematic guide to help you regain control and mitigate any potential damage:
Notify Your Insurance Provider: If you have identity theft insurance, inform them first for guidance and help.
Alert Your Financial Institutions: Contact your bank and credit card issuers immediately to halt transactions and secure accounts.
Contact Affected Companies: Reach out to companies where the theft occurred to inform their fraud department.
Implement a Fraud Alert: Place a fraud alert on your credit with one of the three major credit bureaus.
Review Your Credit Reports: Access your free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and report any discrepancies.
File a Report with the FTC: Visit identitytheft.gov to file a comprehensive identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Report to Local Law Enforcement: Filing a police report provides an official record of the identity theft.
Secure Your Online Presence: Change all online account passwords, consider using a password manager, and activate two-factor authentication.
Replace Important Documents: Apply for replacements for stolen IDs like your driver’s license, passport, and Social Security card.
Subscribe to Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider services like defend-id which monitor your financial and digital presence, providing alerts and insurance.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Identity Theft
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to identity theft, take these essential steps promptly:
Contact Your Financial Institutions: Reach out to your bank and credit card issuers immediately to freeze your accounts and halt unauthorized transactions.
Report to Your Identity Theft Insurance Provider: Notify your provider right away for guidance and resources, including legal and financial assistance.
How Identity Theft Protection Services Help
Identity theft protection services, such as defend-id, play a crucial role in safeguarding your online and financial accounts from fraudulent activities. With defend-id’s advanced monitoring technology, subscribers receive alerts about potential fraud approximately four times faster than many competing services.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Swift Alerts: defend-id provides detailed monitoring by keeping track of your personal and financial account activities. If something unusual is detected, defend-id promptly sends out an alert.
Robust Insurance Coverage: defend-id offers significant financial protection with an insurance policy that can provide up to $1,000,000 in compensation for eligible losses caused by identity theft.
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft and Fraud
Protecting yourself from identity theft and fraud is crucial. One effective way to safeguard your personal information is by using comprehensive services like defend-id, which offers robust monitoring and insurance coverage.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: defend-id provides each plan member with a $1,000,000 insurance policy.
Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: defend-id monitors your financial and online accounts continuously, alerting you swiftly to any suspicious activity.
Family Protection: defend-id’s Family Plan extends protection to up to five family members, including both adults and children.
Trial Period: defend-id offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to experience their service before committing.
Taking proactive steps by enrolling in a service like defend-id can provide peace of mind and significantly reduce the chances of suffering from identity theft and fraud.
Tactics Used by Identity Thieves
Identity thieves deploy various tactics to access personal data. They might steal your wallet, ID, or mail containing personal information, use a change-of-address scam, send phishing emails, texts, and calls, buy your data off the Dark Web, hack into your email, or intercept your data on an unsecured Wi-Fi network. Understanding these methods allows you to be more vigilant and take preventative measures to secure your personal and financial information.
Take Action Today
Identity theft is a serious crime, but you can protect yourself by taking necessary steps to safeguard your personal information and monitoring your credit reports regularly.
Resources:
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): 1-877-438-4338
The Identity Theft Resource Center: 1-888-400-5530
The National Association of Consumer Advocates: 1-800-644-7222
Don’t let identity theft ruin your credit and your life. Take action today to protect yourself!
Articles related to How to Protect Your Credit from Identity Theft:
Telehealth creates new cyber and medical id theft risks.
In follow up to the July 2, 2020 article titled “MEDICAL-ID THEFT RISKS INCREASE”. That article we said” we need to be more vigilant about cyber scams, phishing scams, hackers, and insider threats. The threats that are targeting our online presence – including telehealth services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased consumer risks through cyber scams and medical identity theft.
Telehealth growth has exploded.
HealthITSecurity, states “the U.S. telehealth market was estimated at ~$3 billion with 11% of consumers using telehealth in 2019. Fast forward to pandemic-plagued 2020, the telehealth market is poised to grow to $250 billion with 46% of consumers now using telehealth, according to McKinsey & Company.”
“Unfortunately,” and according to HealthITSecurity, “these benefits are being offset by a variety of fraud schemes where healthcare fraud in the US is approaching $300 billion annually and while the Department of Health & Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services eased their telehealth requirements to serve more patients during the pandemic, there could be an inadvertent wave of billing fraud and risk patient safety.”
The fact is, the COVID-19 pandemic has cyber scammers, phishing scammers, hackers, and even the insider threat targeting healthcare professionals and consumers.
Examples of fraud scams, phishing scams, hacking, and insider threats include:
Fraud scams including fake or fraudulent COVID-19 cures through fraudulent phone calls, fake social media content, and door-to-door sales.
Phishing and Vishing Scams including fake emails, texts and phone calls to get you to share personal information like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords.
Hacking / Malware where hackers use malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.
Insider Threats including current and former employees. The careless worker, the disgruntled employee, the malicious insider, and the outside contractor or vendor can all be threats.
While Telehealth is an emerging opportunity with great potential, Telehealth Creates Cyber Risks that could lead to identity theft.
According to this April 13, 2020, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) blog, “as Telehealth services proliferate, telehealth fraud schemes will continue to evolve (please see here).
Consumers need to be aware that theft of or using your personal information can also originate with Telehealth services. (e.g., name, Social Security number, Medicare number, etc.)
Consumers can also reduce their risk of medical identity theft by safeguarding their health insurance cards, regularly reviewing credit reports, medical benefit explanations, medical bills, and prescription bills.
John Iannarelli, former FBI Special Agent offers 4 SMB Cybersecurity tips. Is your business safe from the cybersecurity threat?
According to the Allianz Risk Barometer for 2020, cyber incidents ranked as the number one business risk in its ninth annual survey of risk experts.
Based on the above, I just interviewed former FBI Special Agent John Iannarelli (http://fbijohn.com/) in between his national television appearances on Fox News and Fox Business.
Mr. Iannarelli retired from the FBI after more than 20 years of service, during which time he was the FBI’s National Spokesperson, on the FBI Cyber Division executive staff, an FBI SWAT team member, and the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Phoenix Division, where he oversaw all Criminal, Cyber, and Counter Intelligence investigations throughout Arizona.
Since leaving the FBI, Mr. Iannarelli is an active contributor for national news outlets, keynote speaker, author, and security consultant.
I asked Mr. Iannarelli for simple advice on how to keep small businesses safer in 2020. Here are his 4 cybersecurity tips for small businesses and sole proprietors:
Ransomware
“Maintaining a strong firewall, keeping your security software up to date, and the patching of vulnerable software is critical”, said Iannarelli. He also said, “The restoration of your computer files from a backup is the fastest way to safely regain access to your data.” Mr. Iannarelli recommends “to not pay the ransom as there is no guarantee that you will be able to regain access to your files and that once you pay the cybercriminals they are likely to attack again.”
Hackers steal consumer data from devices connected to unsecured networks by positioning themselves between you and the connection point. This means that instead of talking directly with the hotspot, you end up sending your data to the hacker. Mr. Iannarelli recommends “use of VPNencryption to help prevent cybercriminals from hacking into your Wi–Fi connection and intercepting the data you send and receive.”
Vendor Due Diligence
According to the Ponemon Institute, third-party breaches remain a dominant security challenge for small and large businesses. Over 63% of data breaches are linked to a third party. He said, “Small businesses should establish information security and governance best practices including a data breach and incident response policy and plan.”. A plan will protect your business, help win new business, and elevate your due diligence profile.
State and Federal Notification Laws
Since the United States does not have a Federal Privacy law. Mr. Iannarelli stated“understanding current state privacy laws where your small business conducts business is critical to responding to a data breach event in a timely and effective manner.”
If you have been victimized by an online scam or any other cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov or call your local FBI office.
By Mark Pribish
Vice President and ID Theft Practice Leader
may also feel violated, betrayed, and helpless.
Telehealth growth has exploded.
