What is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze cuts off access to your credit report, which in turn prevents any bad actors from pretending to be you and opening up credit cards or taking out loans in your name. Freezing your credit can be a good idea if you are worried that someone has accessed sensitive information that could allow them to steal your identity.

A credit freeze, sometimes also called a security freeze, means that no one can open up any new credit in your name–including you! Of course, you will have the option to temporarily “unfreeze” your own credit when you need to get a new credit card, apply for a mortgage, or buy a car.

The United States Government recommends using a credit freeze to protect against fraud. The Federal Trade Commission also advocates using a credit freeze to prevent identity theft–you can learn more on the FCC website.

Hackers and Identity Theft

You may have noticed that most major news outlets recently covered a data breach in which hackers gained access to millions of Social Security Numbers and email addresses. In April 2024, a company called National Public Data was breached, allegedly allowing hackers to gain access to the company’s entire database.National Public Data is a company that collects information to complete background checks. The information stored on the company database included many US social security numbers. According to CBS News among other sources, it has been confirmed that hackers posted much of the National Public Data information, including social security numbers, on a dark web forum.

What Does This Mean For You?

There are several possible threats you face due to this data breach. First, bad actors could use your Social Security number for identity theft. Second, anyone with access to your email address could use it to send you targeted phishing messages to trick you into divulging passwords, account information, or other sensitive information.Scams such as phishing always present a threat. Scammers target sensitive information that they can exploit for financial gain or identity theft. Scammers try to get you to tell them:

• Personal details like your full name, address, and date of birth. They can use this information to create fake identities.
• Financial information, including credit card numbers, bank account details, and security codes. This information allows them to steal money or make unauthorized purchases.
• Passwords to access online accounts, which can lead to further breaches.
• Social Security numbers, which allow bad actors to pretend to be you and enact identity theft.
• Health insurance details so that the bad actor can pretend to be you and submit fraudulent insurance claims.
• Security question answers such as the name of your first school, your mother’s maiden name, and more. If a hacker knows a lot about you, they can use the answers to common security questions to bypass account protections and get into your secure accounts.

It is important to note that freezing your credit does not protect you from all of these threats. It simply prevents anyone else from opening new lines of credit in your name. You should still be vigilant in avoiding phishing messages, and keep your sensitive and personal information private online.This is especially important on social media. If you provide your full name and birthdate on Facebook, and your parents and/or children do too, a bad actor could easily glean a lot of personal information about you just from looking at your Facebook page.

How Do I Freeze My Credit?

To freeze your credit, you need to contact the three biggest credit reporting agencies in the United States: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can do this by clicking each of the links listed here:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

You can also call each agency and go through the automated phone service prompts in order to freeze your credit. Some users report that calling is the quickest method for getting through this process.These phone numbers will allow you to contact the credit reporting agencies:

• Equifax: 888-298-0045
• Experian: 888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 800-916-8800

To verify your identity, you may need to share personal information such as your social security number during this process.

How Long Does a Credit Freeze Last?

A credit freeze does not expire unless you temporarily or permanently end it. You will likely need to pause it so that lenders can check your credit in the future.

Does it Cost Money to Freeze Your Credit?

It is free to freeze your credit. You will need to spend a little time on the process, but you can instruct Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax to freeze your credit at no cost.

Worried About Scams?

If you would like to learn more about how to stay safe online and avoid scams, you can schedule a free tech tutoring appointment with a Cooperative Extension Digital Skills Agent by calling 336-318-6002.