This applies to US residents with a social security number only.
Once a year I run a credit report for me and my wife from the 3 credit bureaus to see what my score is and also to update any information.
In case you didn't know, all 3 credit bureaus provide a free Freeze Credit option for all residents with a social security number.
Why would you need to freeze your credit?
For security, especially if your social security number has been leaked due to a breach in a hospital, work or elsewhere.
What are the disadvantages of freezing you credit?
If you need to apply for a loan, like say a car loan, the dealer can't see your credit unless you un-freeze it which is easy.
This is done to prevent someone else, pretending to be you, with your social security number, from getting a loan for which they won't pay and then you will be at fault.
This would save you time, money and headache if you put a freeze on the 3 credit bureaus.
How to do it?
Go to each credit bureau listed here:
https://www.experian.com/help/login.html
https://service.transunion.com/dss/login.page?PLACE_CTA=TransUnion:DSS:Login
https://my.equifax.com/membercenter/#/login
and register for a free account. You don't have to pay for any upgrades they want to sell you, unless you want to spend money on your own for better alerts. This whole thing is free.
Once you create an account for each bureau, place a freeze on your account and then your account or social security number is locked or protected from un-authorized use from a thief.
That's all there is to it and Happy Thanksgiving.
Once a year I run a credit report for me and my wife from the 3 credit bureaus to see what my score is and also to update any information.
In case you didn't know, all 3 credit bureaus provide a free Freeze Credit option for all residents with a social security number.
Why would you need to freeze your credit?
For security, especially if your social security number has been leaked due to a breach in a hospital, work or elsewhere.
What are the disadvantages of freezing you credit?
If you need to apply for a loan, like say a car loan, the dealer can't see your credit unless you un-freeze it which is easy.
This is done to prevent someone else, pretending to be you, with your social security number, from getting a loan for which they won't pay and then you will be at fault.
This would save you time, money and headache if you put a freeze on the 3 credit bureaus.
How to do it?
Go to each credit bureau listed here:
https://www.experian.com/help/login.html
https://service.transunion.com/dss/login.page?PLACE_CTA=TransUnion:DSS:Login
https://my.equifax.com/membercenter/#/login
and register for a free account. You don't have to pay for any upgrades they want to sell you, unless you want to spend money on your own for better alerts. This whole thing is free.
Once you create an account for each bureau, place a freeze on your account and then your account or social security number is locked or protected from un-authorized use from a thief.
That's all there is to it and Happy Thanksgiving.
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