Prevent Identity Theft by freezing your credit at the three credit reporting bureaus. You will have to contact all three credit bureaus individually and depending on your situation the cost can be free or a total cost of $30 ($10 each).
Equifax
Cost is FREE if you are a victim of Identity Theft. If you are not a victim of Identity theft you can freeze your credit at Equifax for $5-10 depending on the state you live in. For more information on freezing your credit by phone, mail and online please see the following links.
Freeze your credit at Equifax by phone or mail
Freeze your credit at Equifax online
Experian
Cost is FREE if you are a victim of Identity Theft. If you are not a victim of Identity theft you can freeze your credit at Experian for $5-10 depending on the state you live in. For more information on freezing your credit by phone, mail and online please see the following link.
Freeze your credit at Experian
Transunion
Cost is FREE if you are a victim of Identity Theft. If you are not a victim of Identity theft you can freeze your credit at Transunion for $5-10 depending on the state you live in. For more information on freezing your credit by phone, mail and online please see the following link.
Freeze your credit at Transunion
What about Identity Theft protection companies?
Identity Theft protection companies are designed to alert you when your social security number is used. Therefore the service is considered reactionary, which means damage is done first and then they help you resolve the issue. Most Identity Theft protection companies also provide a layer of financial protection meaning they will cover expenses for unauthorized charges and investigations. If you do not use your credit frequently or need it in the near future a credit freeze will provide the best protection.
How do I prevent damage from being done to my credit?
A credit freeze is preventative which means it will stop somebody from using your credit. All credit applications that the thief completes will be denied because of the freeze. This prevents a thief from even having your credit pulled and hurting your score because of the inquiry on your history. If you do not use your credit frequently, a credit freeze will provide the best protection.
How do I prevent damage to a minors credit?
Each of the three credit reporting bureaus also have a process to freezing the credit of minors. The process is similar to that of adults and can be completed using the applications in the links provided above.