While a credit freeze and credit lock have similarities, the difference between the two is highlighted below:Ĭredit freeze: Locks your credit file to creditors and should prevent bad people from taking out loans and opening credit card accounts in your name.
#Equifax lift freeze without pin for free#
Even if you miss the deadline, many states allow you to add or lift a freeze, (not “lock") for free as long as you're a victim of ID theft. Given Equifax’s numerous missteps since announcing the breach on September 7, waiving fees to freeze your credit file is the least management can do. The offering is called "TrustedID Premier" and includes a lock (not freeze) on your credit file.Ĭredit Freeze, Credit Lock or Fraud Alert?Įquifax has revised its botched response to their data breach since last week and is now waiving the typical "freeze" fee if you act before November 21. Even if Equifax says your file wasn't compromised, assume it was and take the necessary steps to protect yourself.Įquifax is offering free identity theft protection and credit file monitoring to all U.S. The next screen will inform you if your personal information has been compromised. You will be prompted to type in your last name and the last six digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). In light of the shocking news of the Equifax data hack and having been a victim of ID theft in the past, I thought I would share some “do’s and don'ts" to help calm your concerns and provide clarity on the differences between a credit freeze, credit lock, and fraud alert.ĭo this first: Go to the official link being provided by Equifax Type this address into your browser yourself. Upon hearing the news of this most recent breach, I immediately checked out the link at and learned that, unfortunately, my credit file was among those compromised. The recent revelation of a massive data breach at Equifax potentially affecting 143 million consumers brought back memories of my own 2001credit fraud experience in Boston it was an unnerving and horrific experience.
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