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Identity theft and online fraud continue to increase as cyber criminals gain access to personal information through data breaches, phishing scams, hacked email accounts, malware, and stolen Social Security Numbers. Many individuals do not realize their personal information has been compromised until unauthorized credit cards, loans, bank accounts, or fraudulent tax returns are opened in their name. One of the most effective steps individuals can take to help protect themselves from identity theft is placing a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, helps restrict access to your credit report. In many cases, lenders and creditors will not issue new credit accounts or loans without first reviewing your credit file. By limiting access to your credit report, a freeze can help reduce the risk of unauthorized individuals opening accounts using your personal information.
A credit freeze does not affect your credit score and can generally be temporarily lifted or removed whenever you need to apply for new credit, financing, housing, or other services requiring a credit check.
Cyber criminals may obtain sensitive personal information through:
Data breaches
Phishing emails
Hacked online accounts
Stolen mail
Malware or spyware
Fake websites
Social engineering scams
Once personal information is exposed, criminals may attempt to:
Open credit cards
Apply for loans
Commit financial fraud
Access banking information
File fraudulent tax returns
Steal identities
Placing a credit freeze adds an additional layer of protection and can help reduce the risk of new fraudulent accounts being opened in your name.
A credit freeze may help:
Prevent unauthorized credit applications
Reduce identity theft risk
Protect exposed Social Security Numbers
Limit fraudulent financial activity
Add additional financial security
Credit freezes are generally free and can usually be managed online.
You may need the following information:
Full legal name
Social Security Number
Date of birth
Current and prior addresses
Email address
Mobile phone number
Identity verification documents if requested
It is recommended to place freezes with all three major credit bureaus for more complete protection.
Visit the official website for Equifax and create or log into your account.
You may be asked to:
Verify your identity
Confirm personal information
Complete security verification steps
After verification, follow the prompts to place a security freeze on your credit file.
Official website:
Equifax Credit Freeze
Visit the official website for Experian and complete the freeze request process.
You may need to:
Create an online account
Verify your identity
Confirm security questions
Official website:
Experian Credit Freeze
Visit the official website for TransUnion and request a security freeze.
You may be required to:
Register an account
Complete identity verification
Confirm your personal information
Official website:
TransUnion Credit Freeze
A credit freeze:
Does not impact your credit score
Does not prevent use of existing credit cards
Can usually be temporarily lifted online
May require identity verification to remove or pause
If you later apply for:
Mortgages
Auto loans
Credit cards
Apartment rentals
Certain employment screenings
you may need to temporarily lift the freeze before the credit check can be completed.
In addition to placing a credit freeze, consider the following cyber security best practices:
Use strong unique passwords
Enable two-factor authentication
Monitor financial accounts regularly
Review credit reports periodically
Avoid clicking suspicious links
Be cautious with phishing emails and text messages
Secure your email accounts
Obtain an IRS IP PIN for tax identity protection
Cyber criminals often target email accounts first because email access may allow password resets on financial and online accounts.
Potential signs may include:
Unknown credit inquiries
Unexpected loan denials
Bills for unfamiliar accounts
Collection notices
Missing mail
Unauthorized banking activity
IRS notices regarding unknown tax returns
Early detection can help reduce financial and identity theft damage.
If you need assistance understanding credit freezes, identity theft protection measures, IRS identity protection options, or general online account security guidance, Z Tax & Accounting may be able to help provide general educational guidance to assist clients in better protecting their personal, tax, and financial information from growing cyber security threats and fraud risks.