In today’s digital age, protecting your personal information is more crucial than ever. According to FOX13 Your Money Investigator Kate Bieri, who covers security breaches and identity theft cases daily, the most effective measure to safeguard your financial information is implementing a credit freeze.
A credit freeze blocks access to your credit report, making it impossible for scammers to open fraudulent accounts in your name. This security measure does not affect your existing lines of credit, such as credit cards, and you can continue using them as usual. If you need to apply for a loan or open a new account, you can temporarily thaw the freeze.
The best part? All three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – offer free credit freeze services. While each bureau has slightly different requirements, you’ll typically need to provide:
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth
- Address
You may also be asked to provide additional documentation, such as:
- A copy of your passport, driver’s license, or military ID
- Tax documents, bank statements, or utility bills
- Proof of address (utility bill or mortgage statement)
Parents and guardians can also freeze the credit of children under 16 by providing the necessary paperwork and proof of their relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate.
By taking this simple step, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and enjoy greater peace of mind in your financial dealings.
