Check your eligibility with each credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
Create accounts with each bureau you plan to lock
Lock your credit with each bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
Set up alerts for credit file changes (fraud alerts and activity monitoring)
Review your credit report for accuracy
Place a fraud alert if you can’t lock or if you want added verification steps
Use a trusted credit monitoring service if you want centralized monitoring
Keep your login credentials secure and enable strong authentication
Store backup contact and account recovery information
Periodically check your lock status in each bureau account
Unlock your credit temporarily when you apply for new credit, then re-lock afterward
If you suspect identity theft, file an identity theft report and follow bureau-specific steps to secure your file