Lock Down Your Identity: What is a Credit Freeze and How Do I Get One?

Have you heard of credit freezes but aren't quite sure what they are or why they're important? AnewVista Community Services is here to break it down for you and provide a simple guide to getting your credit freeze in place.

What Exactly is a Credit Freeze?

Think of a credit freeze like a lock on your credit report. It restricts access to your credit information, making it much harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Even if someone has your personal information, they won't be able to get credit because lenders can't check your credit report with a freeze in place.

Why Should I Freeze My Credit?

In today's world of data breaches and online scams, protecting your identity is more important than ever. A credit freeze is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft and the headaches that come with it.

How Do I Freeze My Credit?

Freezing your credit is easier than you might think! Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Contact the Credit Bureaus: You'll need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually:

Equifax: www.equifax.com or 1-888-Equifax (1-888-378-4329)
Experian: www.experian.com or 1 888-414-1120
TransUnion: www.transunion.com or 1 833-806-1627

2. Provide Your Information: Be prepared to provide your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. You may also need to answer some security questions to verify your identity.

3. Keep Track of Your PINs: Create a unique PIN or password for each credit agency. Keep these in a safe place! You'll need them to unfreeze your credit when you need to apply for credit.

Is a Credit Freeze Right for Me?

A credit freeze is a smart move for anyone who wants to protect themselves from identity theft. It's especially important if you've already been a victim of identity theft or have reason to believe your personal information has been compromised.

AnewVista Community Services provides resources and support to help older adults stay safe from scams. Visit us at www.anvcs.org to join a class or send us a note at info@anvcs.org

Need More Help?

We're here to assist! AnewVista offers a variety of technology classes and one-on-one support to help seniors master their devices. Contact us today to learn more.

Check out our upcoming classes at anvcs.org/classes.

ANVCS.org: Your Guide to Digital Confidence

Join our Free Tech classes and workshops at AnewVista Community Services at www.anvcs.org or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnewVista/ We're dedicated to empowering seniors to thrive in the digital world. Visit our website or call us today!