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Protect Against Identity Theft

By Freezing Your Credit Information

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month!

One of the fastest-growing crimes today is identity theft. With so much of our personal information saved across the internet, it takes very little time and effort for cyber thieves to access and exploit your identity. In mere minutes, a cyber thief can gain access to your personal information and open credit cards and other accounts in your name, taking advantage of your finances, ruining your credit, or worse.

Placing a credit freeze is one of the strongest ways to protect yourself from identity theft. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts using your identification.

How does a credit Freeze work? 

  • A credit freeze is the best tool to restrict access to your credit report
    • This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts using your identification.

  • Creditors need your credit information before they approve a new account.
    • This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts using your identification.
  • Because creditors can not see your information during a credit freeze they are not likely to extend new credit.

What do the credit reporting agencies charge? 

How do I initiate a credit freeze? 

To place a security freeze, contact the three credit reporting agencies directly.

  • Provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and other personal information.
  • Receive a unique PIN or password from each credit bureau.
  • Keep the PIN in a safe place. You will need it when you decide to lift the freeze.

Experian:

1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com/freeze

Equifax:

1-800-685-1111
www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze

TransUnion:

1-888-909-8872
www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Additionally, you can place a checking and savings account security freeze by contacting:

Chexsystems:

1-800-887-7652
www.chexsystems.com

Remember to store all usernames, passwords, and pins in a safe place!
You can protect your children from Identity theft too! Place a no-cost credit freeze for children aged 16 and under by contacting the three credit agencies.

For more information on protecting yourself from identity theft through sound financial planning practices, contact our asset management company or find a financial advisor now.