Contact each of the three major credit bureaus and request a credit freeze
Equifax: Freeze online or by phone; confirm identity requirements and submit payment if required
Experian: Freeze online or by phone; confirm identity requirements and submit payment if required
TransUnion: Freeze online or by phone; confirm identity requirements and submit payment if required
Save your freeze confirmation numbers and keep records of dates and reference IDs
Create or sign in to each bureau’s account (where available) to manage the freeze
If you need to allow new credit temporarily, lift or thaw the freeze for specific dates or time periods
To lock credit with a “lock” product (not a freeze), use the bureau’s credit lock feature if available
For fraud protection, also consider adding fraud alerts with the bureaus
Monitor your credit reports regularly for changes or new accounts
If you suspect identity theft, file an identity theft report and follow bureau-specific steps to strengthen protection