That way, you’ll get a heads up as soon as someone tries to open an account in your name. By placing a fraud alert on your Equifax file, you’ll receive a phone call or another type of notification every time a lender pulls your credit. One way to do this is through a fraud alert. Other security measures Fraud alertĪfter you’ve lifted your credit freeze, you’ll want to continue keeping tabs on your account activity. You’ll need to provide information verifying your identity and will have the option to receive a one-time PIN by text message or answer questions based on information in your Equifax credit report for identity verification. All you have to do is call 1-(888) 298-0045 to start the process. You can also freeze your credit with Equifax over the phone. A credit freeze helps prevent fraudulent account creation, but it won’t protect your current cards. Keep in mind that when you place a credit freeze, it doesn’t stop fraudsters from making charges if they have access to your existing accounts. If you need to request a credit freeze for your child, another adult for whom you have power of attorney or a military service member, you’ll need to provide proof of your identity and theirs, along with documentation showing that you’re authorized to handle their account. You’ll then be able to temporarily and permanently remove the block via the website when you’re ready. The easiest way to freeze your credit with Equifax is to create an online account and request the freeze through the bureau’s website. You will not have to pay for a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian or TransUnion.
#EQUIFAX SECURITY FREEZE COST FREE#
How much does a credit freeze cost?Ĭredit freezes are free to request and remove. But you should know that to really safeguard against hackers, you’ll need to request freezes with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Placing a freeze is a fairly straightforward process. As for new creditors, they won’t be able to view that data and use it to open new loans or lines of credit either. But they won’t be able to open new credit lines in your name as long as the freeze is in place. Your current creditors can still access the file as it relates to your existing loans and creditors. Without those pieces of data, they won’t be able to approve you for a new account, which means that fraudsters trying to use your information will be stopped in their tracks.Įssentially, a credit freeze locks your credit file when it comes to new accounts. But you can protect yourself from identity theft by placing a credit freeze on your file.Ī credit freeze prevents lenders from pulling your credit report. Many factors affect your credit score - new accounts, available credit, on-time payments - and all of them can be hijacked by fraudsters.
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