How to Protect Your Identity From Criminals
Written by: Evan Anderson
As technology continues to advance, so do the methods that criminals use to steal personal information.
Identity theft has become an increasingly common problem, and protecting your identity has become
more important than ever before. In this blog post, we will discuss how to protect your identity by
freezing your credit and purchasing identity theft protection.
Freezing Your Credit
One of the most effective ways to protect your identity is by freezing your credit. Freezing your credit
involves placing a lock on your credit report, which prevents lenders from accessing your credit
information without your permission. This makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new
accounts in your name.
To freeze your credit, you can contact each of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and
TransUnion. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and Social
Security number, and pay a fee (which varies by state). Once your credit is frozen, lenders will not be
able to access your credit report without your permission. If you need to apply for credit or a loan, you
can temporarily lift the freeze for a specific lender or period of time.
The Benefits of Freezing Your Credit
There are several benefits to freezing your credit. First and foremost, it can help protect you from
identity theft. By placing a lock on your credit report, you make it much more difficult for thieves to
open new accounts in your name. It also helps prevent unauthorized access to your credit report, which
can be a source of sensitive personal information.
Another benefit of freezing your credit is that it can be an effective way to prevent fraud. When your
credit is frozen, lenders are required to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening a new
account. This can include contacting you directly to confirm your identity, which can help prevent
fraudulent activity.
Why Purchase Identity Theft Protection?
While freezing your credit is an effective way to protect your identity, it is not foolproof. Identity theft
can still occur in other ways, such as through data breaches or phishing scams. That's where identity
theft protection can be useful.
Identity theft protection services typically include credit monitoring, which alerts you to any changes in
your credit report, as well as identity theft insurance, which can help cover the costs of recovering from
identity theft. Some services also provide dark web monitoring, which scans the dark web for any
instances of your personal information being bought or sold.
While identity theft protection services can be costly, they can provide peace of mind and an added
layer of protection. If you do decide to purchase identity theft protection, be sure to research the
different options and choose a reputable provider.
Conclusion
Protecting your identity is essential in today's world, and freezing your credit and purchasing identity
theft protection are two effective ways to do so. By taking these steps, you can help prevent identity
theft and fraudulent activity, and give yourself peace of mind knowing that you are doing everything you
can to protect your personal information.