Steps to place a freeze on your social security number to protect your identity

In an age where identity theft is increasingly common, protecting your financial well-being is crucial. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your Social Security number (SSN) from fraudulent use is by placing a credit freeze on your credit file with all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A credit freeze prevents lenders and creditors from accessing your credit report, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

Before initiating the credit freeze process, ensure you have the necessary personal information readily available:

• Full legal name
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Current address (and previous addresses if you’ve moved recently)
• A valid government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Any supporting documents required by the bureaus (such as proof of address, if requested)

A credit freeze must be placed separately with each of the three credit bureaus. Below are the steps to do so:

• Online: Visit www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
• Phone: Call 1-800-349-9960
• Mail: Send a written request with your information to:
  Equifax Information Services LLC
  P.O. Box 105788
  Atlanta, GA 30348-5788

• Online: Visit www.experian.com/freeze
• Phone: Call 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742)
• Mail: Send a written request to:
  Experian Security Freeze
  P.O. Box 9554
  Allen, TX 75013

• Online: Visit www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
• Phone: Call 1-800-916-8800
• Mail: Send a written request to:
  TransUnion
  P.O. Box 160
  Woodlyn, PA 19094

Once you request a credit freeze, each bureau will confirm the freeze in writing or via email (if requested online). Some may issue a PIN or password that you’ll need to lift or temporarily remove the freeze in the future. Store this information securely.

After placing the freeze, verify that it has been successfully applied by attempting to access your credit report or by checking with the bureaus.

If you need to apply for credit (such as a loan or mortgage), you can temporarily lift the freeze online, by phone, or by mail using your PIN. You can choose to lift it for a specific lender or for a set period before reapplying the freeze.

Placing a credit freeze is a crucial step in protecting your Social Security number from fraud. It’s a free service, does not impact your credit score, and can be lifted whenever necessary. By securing your credit across all three bureaus, you take an essential step in preventing identity theft and maintaining control over your financial security.