With identity theft commonplace, it’s important to understand available options to help safeguard your online information.
FRAUD ALERT
This free alert requires companies to contact you to verify that you want new credit before they approve it. You only need to contact one of the three credit reporting agencies to initiate this alert.
CREDIT FREEZE
A credit freeze will prevent anyone, including you, from opening a new account. You’ll need to ask all three major reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—for the freeze. Victims of identity theft receive this service for free, but each reporting agency can charge $5 or $10 each time you freeze and unfreeze your credit.
CREDIT LOCK
A credit lock is good for people who have experienced identity theft and don’t plan to open new credit in the near future. Generally, this service will cost a monthly fee charged by each agency and the lock ends when your agreement ends or when you unlock it.