Why this matters
A credit freeze stops anyone (including a fraudster with your Social Security number) from opening new credit in your name. It is free, it does not affect your score, and it is the strongest single defence against new-account fraud.
Step by step
- Contact each of the major credit bureaus individually.
- Verify your identity through their secure process.
- Request a freeze and securely store the PIN or password you receive.
- Confirm the freeze is active on each report.
- Temporarily lift the freeze when you genuinely need new credit.
BlackCloak tips
Freeze your credit at every major bureau, not just one, to close all the gaps. Keep your freeze PINs somewhere safe, as you will need them to lift the freeze later.