Contact each of the three major credit bureaus to request a credit freeze:
Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
Experian: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
Submit the required information for each bureau (typically name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and identity verification).
Choose a PIN/passphrase option and save it securely for managing the freeze later.
If applicable, pay any required fee (or request a free freeze if you qualify).
Confirm that the freeze is active with each bureau (keep confirmation numbers or emails).
To temporarily lift or remove the freeze, use the bureau’s online portal with your PIN/passphrase.
If you prefer, you can also freeze by phone or mail using the bureaus’ official instructions and forms.
When you’re done, keep records of:
Confirmation numbers
PINs/passphrases
Dates the freeze was placed and lifted