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If You're Not Monitoring Your Credit, Freeze It!

4 MIN READ LAST VERIFIED 2026-08-20 7 FREEZE LINKS
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Freezing your credit is completely free and one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft. Download the credit bureau apps to easily manage temporary unfreezes when needed.

Already a Victim?

1. Place a Fraud Alert

If you're already a victim of identity theft or suspect fraudulent activity, place a fraud alert before freezing your credit. A fraud alert encourages lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before granting new credit. An initial fraud alert lasts one year and is free.

Submit a fraud alert with Equifax (it's free) - by law they must notify the other credit bureaus: Place Fraud Alert with Equifax

2. Report Identity Theft

Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and get a customized recovery plan. This official Federal Trade Commission website will:

  • Help you create an official identity theft report
  • Provide a step-by-step recovery plan
  • Generate pre-filled forms and letters for sending to credit bureaus, businesses, and debt collectors
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