Victims of Digital Crime

There is no worse feeling than that of feeling helpless in a crisis. Here are some steps to follow if you've been a victim of a cybercrime.

I am a victim of ... Identity Theft Social Security Theft Financial Theft

What Is a Security Freeze?

A “security freeze” blocks access to your credit unless you have given your permission. This can prevent an identity thief from opening a new account or getting credit in your name. All consumers can get a free security freeze online, by phone or by mail. A security freeze, also known as a credit or a file freeze, can be lifted (or “thawed”) temporarily when you are applying for credit, or removed permanently. Parents and guardians can also shield their children’s credit report with a special Protected Consumer security freeze. These freezes can also be used to safeguard incapacitated adults.

How a Security Freeze Works

Once you’ve placed a security freeze on your credit, a creditor who asks to see your file will see a message that your file is frozen. The creditor will not see your credit score, and may treat your application as incomplete but not rejected.
Government agencies collecting child support payments or taxes and your existing creditors or collection agencies acting on their behalf can continue to access your credit despite the freeze.
Other creditors may also use your information to offer you pre-approved credit. You can stop most credit offers by calling (888) 5-OPT-OUT or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com.
You will still be able to get a free copy of your credit report annually from each credit bureau.

How to Freeze Your Credit

Contact each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — individually to freeze your credit:

Equifax: Call 800-349-9960 or go online. Check out our step-by-step Equifax credit freeze guide.
Experian: Call 888‑397‑3742 or go online. Here’s a detailed walk-through on getting an Experian credit freeze.
TransUnion: Call 888-909-8872 or go online. Read our TransUnion credit freeze guide.

A credit freeze keeps the sensitive data in your credit files from being accessed without your specific consent. That can protect you from fraudulent credit applications, even if a criminal has key information such as your birthdate and Social Security number.

You can also freeze your credit report at two lesser-known credit bureaus that may have information about you:

Innovis: Call 800-540-2505 or go online.
National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange: Call 866-343-2821 or go online.

Key takeaways:

A freeze blocks access to your credit reports, protecting against scammers’ attempts to open fraudulent accounts.
You have to contact each of the three credit bureaus individually.
Placing a credit freeze is free for you and your children, as is lifting it when you want to apply for new credit.
A freeze does not affect your credit score.

Reference: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-freeze-credit