A credit lock allows you to easily lock your credit file helping to protect you against identity theft and unwanted credit activity.
Locking your credit file.
You log in and lock your transunion and or equifax credit reports.
If someone applies for credit in your name access is denied.
Locking your credit is a procedure that can help prevent identity theft and credit fraud by blocking access to your credit report.
Freezing your credit is an extreme step but it s something that might be necessary if you re dealing with identity theft and other measures such as fraud alerts haven t been effective for you.
Freezing locking or applying for fraud alerts on your credit reports are all options for protecting your credit history after confirmed or suspected identity theft or fraud.
For example if you provide a telephone number the business must call you to verify whether you are the person making the credit request.
If you don t plan on applying for any new credit in the near future and your state doesn t allow credit freezing fees a freeze may be the way to go.
In particular there s confusion on the difference between freezing your credit at experian we call it a security freeze and locking your credit.
Locking or freezing your credit file may help prevent criminals from opening fraudulent accounts in your name.
Both freezing and locking prevent potential lenders from accessing your credit file and a preventative measure to protect against identity theft.
A credit freeze locks down your credit.
If someone attempts to apply for credit in your name while your file is locked you will be notified with a real time alert.
Unlocking either or both reports is just as easy as locking them.
A credit freeze is something you can put in place to limit others from viewing your credit reports including lenders.
Locking your credit is a simple and effective way to help keep others from fraudulently opening new credit cards or taking out loans in your name.
A credit freeze is guaranteed by law whereas a credit lock is a product offered by the bureaus.
A fraud alert allows creditors to get a copy of your credit report as long as they take steps to verify your identity.
When locked your experian credit file is not accessible to.
If a credit freeze is something you d like to apply to your credit reports and scores learn how to request one at the experian s security freeze center.
