Freeze your credit
Freeze your credit until you need it unfrozen. This will help prevent identity theft.
Credit Bureaus
These are the major credit bureaus that every company uses for credit checks whenever you apply for a loan for something.
You can freeze your credit, preventing any loans from mysteriously being created in your name. Freezing your credit also cuts off credit header data, one of the biggest sources data brokers use.
If you have had loans made in your name (identity fraud), create fraud alerts.
- Experian Credit Freeze
- Transunion Credit Freeze
- Equifax Credit Report Services: Credit freeze, place fraud alert on your credit file if you've experienced fraud
Fraud Alert
Identity theft resources
- Social Security (US): Set up an online account (preventatively) in order to monitor activity and, if needed, report fraud or freeze account. Blocking your Social Security record
- IdentityTheft.gov
- IRS Identity Protection
- Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)Offers free one-on-one support and guides for all types of identity fraud.
- FTC Consumer Advice
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Annual Credit Report