Blog · Planning

Received a data breach lately?

Tom Southard ·

In the last couple of months I’ve received three separate reports of my personal data being leaked to some hacker. The exposed data was very detailed and personal. You know, the kind of data you are always asked to verify your identity. Ugh.

What can you do about it? Most often these reports come with an offer for free credit monitoring services. Make sure these are legit before signing up!

Even if you haven’t seen these reports, it’s a good idea to check in regularly with the big 3 credit report companies, which offer a free freezing service.

Freezing your credit inquiries, also known as placing a credit freeze, prevents new creditors from accessing your credit report. This can help protect you from identity theft and fraud. Here’s how you can freeze your credit inquiries:

Here’s how to contact each Credit Bureau:

You will need to request a freeze separately from each of the three major credit bureaus in the United States:

Be prepared to provide personal information, including:

  • Full name

  • Social Security number

  • Date of birth

  • Current Address

  • Email address

On the websites, the login will require a Password, a challenge word and or PIN

After requesting a freeze, each credit bureau will provide a confirmation that the freeze is in place.

They might send a confirmation email or letter.

As always, keep your PIN and Passwords Safe (and unique!), you will need it to lift the freeze when you want to apply for new credit.

Freezing and Unfreezing Your Credit

Freeze: prevents new creditors from accessing your credit report. Existing creditors and debt collectors can still access your report.

Unfreeze (Thaw): you can permanently or temporarily lift the freeze if you need to apply for credit. Use the same links above.

There is absolutely No Cost to freeze and unfreeze your credit (since 2018).

Always monitor! After you’ve confirmed all 3 agencies have frozen your credit report, be on the alert for suspicious activity. Even with a freeze, regularly check your credit reports.

Note, you can pay for additional services, such as a Credit Lock. These may more easily be toggled on and off but may require a fee. Make sure to understand the difference and choose the best option for you.

By freezing your credit inquiries, you can protect your credit file and **minimize **the risk of identity theft.