Ask Sid: Protecting Your Credit With a Credit Freeze - AARP Bulletin Scams & Fraud

Protecting Your Credit Report—and Your Identity

Will a credit freeze help

Q. Will a credit freeze help protect me against theft, even if I never have been a victim? A. A freeze on your credit reports can stop identity thieves from opening accounts in your name. Only you can unlock the reports, with your PIN. A freeze means new loans and credit cards won’t be issued in your name, but it also prevents prospective employers and insurance companies from viewing your credit history, which is now standard practice. If you’re moving and getting new utility service, or even getting a different wireless telephone provider, expect that a credit check may be required. If any of these situations apply to you, it may be wise to delay placing a freeze. A credit freeze is especially helpful to previous victims of identity theft, who are more likely to be targeted than new victims, but many states allow anyone to place a freeze—even as a preventive measure. The Consumers Union maintains a site, Financialprivacy.org, with information on individual . Three agencies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—maintain credit reports. Sid Kirchheimer is the author of “Scam-Proof Your Life” (AARP Books/Sterling). Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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