Close-up of the upper corner of a consumer credit report from the credit bureau Equifax, with text reading Credit File and Personal Identification, on a light wooden surface, September 11, 2017. In September of 2017, a data breach at Equifax exposed the personal information of thousands of customers. (Photo via Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images).
If you want to put an end to identity theft, you should apply for an Equifax security freeze. This freeze will prevent people from accessing your information. To get started, visit the Equifax website. Fill out the form provided. It will ask for your name, social security number, date of birth, and email address. Once you submit the form, you will receive an account and PIN to log into your account. Make sure to keep this PIN safe, or you could lose your security freeze.
Once you request a security freeze, the credit bureaus must comply within three business days. They will also have your personal information in their files, so they will need to verify your identity. If you request the freeze by phone, you can expect to get a response within one business day. However, you should still monitor your bank and credit card activity to ensure that no one else is accessing your information. While a security freeze can prevent identity theft, you cannot rely on the security feature to protect you.
There are many ways to lift the security freeze. You can use your myEquifax account to manage it online, or call the agency directly. If you prefer, you can also request a one-time PIN by text message. Regardless of how you choose to apply for a security freeze, it is important to understand the consequences of not lifting it. A security freeze can impact your credit score and your ability to get a loan or credit card.
Once you have obtained your new PIN, you may remove the security freeze. However, the process is long and tedious. If you are concerned that someone is using your identity, you can ask the credit reporting company to remove the freeze. But, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a fee each time. You can use a credit monitoring service to help you with this process. If you’re concerned about identity theft, you should request a freeze from all three credit bureaus.
The security freeze is not compulsory for all consumers, and you can still apply for it even if you don’t have a history of identity theft. However, it is crucial to consider your unique circumstances and decide whether it’s worth the risk. After all, your information could be sold or exchanged among identity thieves. A security freeze allows you to protect yourself from fraud and ensure that you won’t get cheated.
The protections provided by a security freeze include the ability to use the credit report of an incapacitated adult. Similarly, if the individual is under 16 years of age, they can use a birth certificate, a guardianship order, or foster care certification. The person can only request a security freeze if they have authority to act for the protected person. You’ll need to provide these documents to the credit reporting company.
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