How To Stop Identity Theft Through Credit Freeze

Each year, millions of people become victims of identity theft

. In the past, those who suspect that they have been victimized by identity theft can request for a fraud alert. Today, there is another option to protect your personal credit report from unauthorized access. In this article, let's talk about credit freeze and how it can help you guard against the threat of fraud and identity theft.

What is Credit Freeze?

On November 2007, the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) are given the power to freeze consumer credit reports upon request. What happens when you freeze your credit report?

Putting your credit file on a "freeze" blocks it from anyone who may attempt to make an inquiry. Lenders, employers, landlords, or insurers will not be able to access your credit report while it is on freeze.

Actually, even the credit report owner cannot look into his own file without first requesting for a lift. Therefore, in case an identity thief attempts to open a new account in your name, he/she will receive a notice that the report is on "freeze" and not available for inquiry.

The Cost of Freezing

Perhaps you may ask, "how much will it cost me to put my credit report on freeze?" Requesting for a freeze may cost around $10 to $12 for each credit bureau. Keep in mind that you must freeze your report with all the three major credit reporting bureaus to ensure the safety of your files and information. All in all, freezing your credit report can cost around $30 - a reasonable cost for protecting your identity.

Be Alert

Although a credit freeze protects a person from unsolicited inquiries, it does not provide complete protection from identity theft or credit fraud. For example, an identity thief may steal your driver's license number or Social Security number to commit illegal activities using your identity.

Identity thieves have also come up with different ways or tactics to steal information from unsuspecting victims. Keep in mind that "skimming devices" can be used to quickly obtain your credit card information. Hence, if you are not careful, there could be other ways on which identity thieves can steal your identity without your knowledge.

Another way to steal information is done with the help of the internet. When creating accounts or filling out application forms online, make sure that you are using a secured website. "Phishing sites" may look exactly like the original website and if you're not careful, you could be mistakenly handing your personal information to the wrong hands.

Aside from placing your personal credit report on a "freeze", be sure that you will not keep your guard down. Keep your personal information (credit cards, driver's license, passport, Social Security Number, bank statements, ATM receipts, etc) safe from the watchful eyes of identity thieves.

Everyone should be well-aware of ways to protect their personal identities. Keep in mind that identity thieves are everywhere and they are always looking for the perfect opportunity to steal information.

Copyright (c) 2010 Suzy Vanstrusen

by: Suzy Vanstrusen

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