
[Video] Freezing Your Child's Credit Report: FAQ
A security freeze is one tool parents and legal guardians can use to restrict access to a minor dependent's credit report. Here are some commonly asked questions -- and answers.
Identity theft is more commonplace since the advent of the internet, and it’s in one’s best interests to familiarize themselves with warning signs of potential identity theft, along with taking steps to better protect yourself from fraudsters in the future. Identity theft occurs when someone has access to your personal information and then uses it to open lines of credit or receive insurance, housing, or employment in your name — potentially affecting your credit reports and credit scores. Signs of identity theft include receiving odd bills for items or services you didn’t purchase, including charges on your credit card or bank statement that are not yours. Other signs include calls from debt collectors about accounts you didn’t open, unexplained withdrawals from your bank account, notifications that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or unexpected denial of credit. If any of these occur, there are many steps you should consider taking, including contacting the proper authorities and companies where the fraud has taken place to explain that you were a victim of identity theft. To help combat identity theft, you can consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, and consider freezing or locking your credit reports, monitor your accounts, and more.
A security freeze is one tool parents and legal guardians can use to restrict access to a minor dependent's credit report. Here are some commonly asked questions -- and answers.
What are the most common types of identity theft? Learn more from Equifax about identity theft and what to do if your personal information is stolen.
What are phishing and smishing and how can you avoid falling victim? Click here to learn more about how to spot phishing scams and how to protect yourself with help from Equifax!
Your Social Security number is a key element of your identity, and is linked to your credit information. If you fear your Social Security card is lost or stolen, here are a few things you can do.
Do you know what fraud alerts do, what types are available or how they work? Here are 7 things you might not know about fraud alerts.
A security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, is one tool you can use to help protect your personal information against fraud or identity theft. Learn more about freezing your credit reports.
At their most basic, a credit report lock and a security freeze are similar — both restrict certain access to your credit reports. But they’re not exactly the same. Knowing the difference between the two may help you make an informed decision about how you can better control access to your credit reports.
Identity thieves have gotten more sophisticated in their methods. The following includes some of the ways identity theft may happen.
While it may not be possible to completely protect yourself from identity theft, there are some steps you can take to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
Being a victim of identity theft can be a frightening experience. Learn more about the warning signs of ID theft and what to do if you believe your identity has been stolen.
Can't find your credit card? Don't panic. Here's a quick list of four things to do if you've misplaced a credit or debit card.
Packing for vacation? Here's some things to consider bringing -- and leaving at home -- to help reduce your risk of identity theft.