💡 Worried about identity theft? Stopping unauthorized credit activity starts with credit freezes and fraud alerts—your best tools to block thieves and protect your financial future!
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have legal rights to freeze your credit report, place fraud alerts, and prevent criminals from opening accounts in your name. This guide will explain what each tool does, how to use them effectively, and the best strategies to protect your credit.
📢 Want full protection? Call Credit1Solutions at 877-782-7839 for expert credit security solutions!
What’s the Difference Between a Credit Freeze & Fraud Alert?
Both protect your credit, but they work in different ways!
| Feature | Credit Freeze | Fraud Alert |
| Purpose | Blocks all access to your credit report | Warns creditors to verify identity before approving credit |
| Who Can Access? | No one (unless you unfreeze it) | Creditors can still see it but must confirm identity |
| How Long Does It Last? | Until you remove it | 1 year (or 7 years for identity theft victims) |
| Cost? | Free | Free |
| How to Set It Up? | Request with all 3 credit bureaus | Request with one bureau, they notify the others |
| Best For? | Stopping ALL new accounts | Warning lenders & preventing fraud |
Which should you choose?
✅ Use a credit freeze for MAXIMUM protection.
✅ Use a fraud alert if you’re still applying for new credit but want extra security.
📢 For the best security, combine BOTH!
How to Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. Even if a thief has your Social Security number, they can’t open credit in your name!
1ï¸. Contact Each Credit Bureau
✔ Experian: experian.com/freeze
✔ Equifax: equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance
✔ TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze
🚀 Online is fastest! You can also request by phone or mail.
2ï¸. Provide Personal Information
✔ Full Name
✔ Date of Birth
✔ Social Security Number
✔ Address
3ï¸. Set Up a PIN or Password
📢 You’ll need this to lift the freeze later!
4ï¸. Confirm Your Freeze
Each bureau will send a confirmation. Check your credit report to ensure it’s active!
How to Lift a Credit Freeze
Need to apply for a loan or mortgage? You can temporarily lift your freeze!
✔ Log into your credit bureau account and request a temporary lift
✔ Choose which lender can access your report (or lift it for a set time)
✔ Freezes reactivate automatically when time expires
Need help managing a credit freeze? Call Credit1Solutions at 877-782-7839 today!
How to Set Up a Fraud Alert
A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before approving new credit.
✅ Unlike a freeze, you only need to contact ONE credit bureau—they notify the others!
1ï¸. Choose a Credit Bureau
✔ Experian: experian.com/fraudalert
✔ Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
✔ TransUnion: transunion.com/fraud-victim-resource
2ï¸. Select the Right Type of Fraud Alert
Choose based on your situation!
With a fraud alert, you can still apply for credit—but lenders must VERIFY your identity!
Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert – Which Is Best?
For MAXIMUM protection, use BOTH!
Need expert help? Call Credit1Solutions at 877-782-7839 today!
FAQs: Credit Freezes & Fraud Alerts
🔹 How much does a credit freeze cost?
✅ Free! Under the law, credit freezes cost $0 at all bureaus.
🔹 Will a credit freeze affect my credit score?
✅ No! Freezing your credit doesn’t impact your score—it only prevents new accounts.
🔹 Can I still use my credit cards with a freeze?
✅ Yes! Your existing accounts are not affected.
🔹 How long does a fraud alert last?
✅ An initial alert lasts 1 year, but identity theft victims can extend it to 7 years.
🔹 What if I forget my credit freeze PIN?
✅ Each bureau has a reset option online or via phone.
Need help setting up a freeze or fraud alert? Call Credit1Solutions at 877-782-7839 today!