If you are not planning on using your credit for a long time (applying for a credit card, home mortgage, home equity line of credit, a car loan or any other type of loan), you can freeze your credit report. Unlike the filing of a fraud alert, you must contact each credit bureau individually as shown below. Filing a credit or security freeze is free.
Equifax – Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services – 800-685-1111
Experian – Experian.com/help – 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
TransUnion – TransUnion.com/credit-help – 888-909-8872
You’ll need to supply your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and other personal information.
After receiving your freeze request, each credit bureau will provide you with a unique PIN (personal identification number) or password. Keep the PIN or password in a safe place. You will need it if you choose to lift the freeze.