Freezing your credit won't protect you from all scams. But it does keep cybercriminals from opening accounts in your name.

At the center of this crisis is the Social Security number, still the primary credential used to apply for credit.

In 2023 there were more than 2.6 million fraud reports and 1 million identity theft reports filed through the Federal Trade Commission. If you're concerned about someone stealing your personal… ...

Freezing your credit might feel like a hassle, but it's well worth it. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a credit freeze can protect you from identity theft, internet fraud and other ...

"A credit freeze is only triggered if someone steals your identity and uses it to apply for new credit,” says Griffin. “If you’re doing it to prevent identity theft, it won’t do that ...

Performing a freeze takes some work, as you must contact all three credit bureaus, but it’s an effective tool to use when you need to protect your credit score and personal information.

Nat Cardona Lee Media Studio Jan 21, 2025 Updated Jan 21, 2025 0 ... PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips Credit Freeze 101: 6 Steps to Safeguard Your Identity and Score 00:00 10m ...

Credit freeze 101: 6 steps to safeguard your score and identity | PennyWise podcast Nat Cardona Lee Media Studio Jan 21, 2025 Updated Jan 21, 2025 0 ...

Learn about the process of implementing a credit freeze, its benefits and potential drawbacks. Chip explains how a credit freeze can safeguard personal information from fraudsters, especially ...