r/LifeProTips

I’m always surprised at how few know about or do this as I believe it is the single best way to prevent credit fraud, like someone (e.x., a parent or sibling) opening a credit card or loan in your name.

Basically, you create an account with each of the three credit bureaus (Experian, Transunion, and Equifax) and place a permanent freeze on your credit. This is FREE do not pay for anything when you create your account or access these services.

The idea is that when you want to open a new line of credit like a credit card you have to sign in and add a temporary thaw to your credit for a day or two for each of the three credit bureaus. Otherwise your application for that new line of credit will be denied. Unless someone knows all your personal information and username and password and can access your email and your phone, you’re safe! While it is a hassle, that beats lifelong difficulty securing credit and suffering from credit fraud. Also, how often are you really opening a new line of credit?

I recommend this to everyone who listens as I see stories every day of peoples’ family members or parents opening credit cards under their name and tanking their credit score. It doesn’t matter how “careful” you are with your social or personal info, sometimes it’s those closest to you who take advantage. Or totally out of your hands such as in the case of a data breach. Lock down your credit!!

I figured this out bc we have a family friend who won't shut up. so whenever she calls I choose what to make based on how long I feel like talking lol