Credit Freezes & Fraud Alerts: Your Identity Theft Defense System

Your first line of defense against identity theft

Written by Robert J Wilkins IV

What a Credit Freeze Does

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report. When frozen, most new creditors can't view your report - which means they can't approve fraudulent applications in your name.

• Blocks most new credit applications
• Free for all consumers since 2018
• Must be placed with each bureau separately
• You can temporarily lift for legitimate applications

A freeze is the single most effective protection against identity theft. And it's free. There's no reason not to do it.

How to Place a Credit Freeze

15 min to freeze all 3

You must freeze with each of the three major bureaus separately. It takes about 15 minutes total.

• Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze or 1-800-685-1111
• Experian: experian.com/freeze or 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze or 1-888-909-8872
• You'll receive a PIN or password to unfreeze later
• Keep these credentials in a secure place

Temporarily Lifting a Freeze

When you need to apply for legitimate credit, temporarily lift the freeze.

• Log in with your PIN or password
• Ask the creditor which bureau they use
• Lift for specific time period or specific creditor
• Takes effect within 15 minutes online
• Re-freeze after your application is processed

What Fraud Alerts Do

A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. Unlike freezes, you only need to contact one bureau - they notify the other two.

• Initial alert: 1 year, available to anyone
• Extended alert: 7 years, requires identity theft report
• Active duty alert: 1 year, for military deployment
• Easier than freezes but not as strong (some creditors ignore them)

Legal Insight: Under federal law, fraud alerts require creditors to take reasonable steps to verify identity. But enforcement is inconsistent. Freezes provide stronger protection.

Freeze vs. Fraud Alert

For maximum protection, use both. Freezes block access entirely. Fraud alerts add verification but some creditors don't follow them.

• Freeze: Stronger protection, blocks access
• Fraud alert: Easier (one-stop), but relies on creditor compliance
• Best protection: Both together
• Identity theft victims: Extended alert + freezes

Limitations to Know

Freezes and alerts don't stop everything.

• Don't protect existing accounts from fraud
• Don't stop use of your existing credit cards
• Don't affect access by existing creditors or collectors
• Don't block soft inquiries (use OptOutPrescreen.com)
• Still monitor all accounts regularly

How Credit1Solutions Helps After Identity Theft

If identity theft has already damaged your credit, we help you recover. We dispute fraudulent accounts on your report, document identity theft for extended fraud alerts, and remove lasting damage from your credit profile.