Is it better to freeze your credit or lock it?

A credit freeze may offer stronger protection than a credit lock. This means you're not financially responsible if someone exploits your credit during the freeze. And under a federal law passed in 2018, credit bureaus are required to let you freeze and unfreeze your credit free of charge.

What is the downside of freezing your credit?

A freeze can give you a false sense of security — you may still be susceptible to credit fraud or other fraud involving your Social Security number. A credit freeze won't affect your current accounts, but if a thief steals the information on an existing account, your credit may be used without your permission.

Can your credit score go up if you freeze your credit?

Freezing your credit won't affect your credit score. That doesn't mean, however, that your credit score won't change. Other factors such as your amount of debt and whether or not you make credit card payments on time might cause your credit score to rise or fall.

How long should I keep my credit frozen?

It's free and lasts 1 year. Place when you've had your identity stolen and completed an FTC identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov or filed a police report. It makes it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name and removes you from unsolicited credit and insurance offers for 5 years.

Is it OK to keep credit frozen?

In fact, no third party can access your credit when it is frozen. “It's the most secure thing you can do to protect your credit,” Droske says. “I recommend keeping it frozen until you need to use it.

Credit Freeze vs. Lock: What’s the Difference?

Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?

There are measures you can take to help prevent further unauthorized use of your SSN and other personal information. You can lock your SSN by calling the Social Security Administration or by creating an E-Verify account. Also, you can contact all three of the nationwide CRAs to place a freeze on your credit reports.

Can someone use my SSN if my credit is frozen?

But a credit freeze alone can't protect you from everything. A criminal could still obtain your Social Security number or driver's license information, steal your tax refund, take out loans in your name, or hijack other accounts. Scammers may also reach out by email, calls, and texts.

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes.

What can someone do with the last 4 digits of your SSN?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.

What do the middle numbers in Social Security mean?

The SSN Numbering Scheme

The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.

Does anyone have the same last four digits of a Social Security number?

Out of 119 people, there is a 50% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN. Out of 180 people, there is a 80% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN. Out of 300 people, then there is more than 99% probability that two of them will have the same number.

What do first 3 numbers of SSN mean?

The first three (3) digits of a person's social security number are determined by the ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application for a social security number. Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices.

How do I know if my SSN was stolen?

To see if someone's using your SSN, check your credit report. You can check it online through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports.

How do you put an alert on your Social Security number?

You may reach the FTC's identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Additional Resources: Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft. IRS Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft.

Can you tell someone your Social Security number over the phone?

Harris says you should never give your social security number over the phone, especially on a call you've received, where you have no idea who is really on the other end of the line. In fact, the IRS will never contact you over the phone asking for your social security number.

Is it a good idea to lock your credit report?

In general, it's worth freezing your credit today to prevent criminals from opening new accounts in your name. Even though it's a hassle to unfreeze it when you want to apply for credit, it's the easiest and cheapest way to protect yourself from identity theft.

Do I need to put a security freeze on all three credit bureaus?

You'll need to file a credit freeze request with all three major credit bureaus for it to be effective. During the process, you'll need to answer a handful of questions to verify your identity.

How do I freeze my credit on all three bureaus?

Are credit freezes removed immediately?

If you make the request online or by phone, the three major credit bureaus are required to lift the freeze within an hour . The request can be done by mail, but note that this is a longer process. The credit bureaus, however, are required to remove the freeze within three business days of receiving notice.

How much does it cost to freeze your Social Security number?

There is NO COST to place or lift a security freeze. For more information, see detailed instructions entitled “Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” below.

What does freezing Social Security do?

To prevent the reduction or loss of future benefits, a disability freeze eliminates the years of low earnings due to disability when computing benefit amounts for certain Social Security benefits.

How do I notify Social Security of identity theft?

Calling our toll-free number at 1-800-269-0271 (TTY 1-866-501-2101), Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Faxing to 1-410-597-0118. Sending mail to the Social Security Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 17785, Baltimore, MD 21235-7785.

Can someone steal my identity with just my Social Security number?

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name.

How can I find out if someone is using my identity?

Do you get a new Social Security number if yours is stolen?

You can't change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.