Credit Security Guide¶
Must-dos¶
Set up monitoring apps¶
It is easier to do these before you freeze your credit in the later steps.
- Install Credit Karma: creditkarma.com/credit/i/credit-karma-app
- Free alerts and score tracking for TransUnion and Equifax.
- Install the Experian app: experian.com/mobile
- Access to Experian report and a real FICO score.
- Bookmark AnnualCreditReport.com
- Despite the name, this site now gives free reports weekly from all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
- Use it for full report checks in addition to app-based monitoring.
Secure Social Security account¶
- my Social Security (SSA.gov): ssa.gov/myaccount
- Prevents criminals from creating an account in your name (protect against benefit fraud) and lets you track your earnings history.
Freeze all credit reports¶
- Experian: experian.com/freeze
- Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze
- TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze
- Innovis: innovis.com/securityFreeze
- Stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your approval.
Only temporarily unfreeze if you are:
- Applying for a credit card, loan, or mortgage
- Renting an apartment where they check credit
- Applying for a job that requires a credit check
- Pulling your annual reports
Always freeze it back immediately after. Use the same links above to unfreeze and refreeze.
Renew fraud alerts annually¶
- Renew fraud alerts (expire after 1 year):
- Equifax Fraud Alert: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-fraud-alerts
- Requires lenders to verify your identity before opening new credit. Equifax notifies TransUnion and Experian automatically.
- Innovis Fraud Alert: innovis.com/personal/fraudActiveDutyAlerts
- Same extra identity verification requirement for Innovis.
- Equifax Fraud Alert: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-fraud-alerts
Should-dos¶
Reduce junk mail and calls¶
- OptOutPrescreen: optoutprescreen.com
- Blocks pre-approved credit offers that thieves could steal from your mail. Choose 5-year (online) or permanent (mail-in).
- Do Not Call Registry: donotcall.gov
- Reduces telemarketing calls.