How do I place a credit freeze after being scammed?
Contact each of the three major credit bureaus separately — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to place a free security freeze. This is one of the strongest identity theft protections available.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) prevents any new lender from accessing your credit file to approve a credit application. This means that even if a scammer has your Social Security Number and other personal details, they cannot open credit cards, take out loans, or get utilities in your name while the freeze is active.
Placing a freeze is free under federal law for all U.S. consumers. You must contact each bureau separately because they do not share freeze instructions. You can place a freeze online, by phone, or by mail. Each bureau will give you a PIN or confirmation code — store this safely because you will need it to temporarily lift the freeze when you apply for credit legitimately.
Credit freezes are permanent until you lift them — they do not expire. Lifting or 'thawing' a freeze can be done for a specific time window (say, one week for a mortgage application) or indefinitely. The freeze does not affect your credit score, and existing creditors can still access your file for routine reviews.
In addition to the three major bureaus, consider placing freezes with specialty consumer reporting agencies that cover areas like employment screening, insurance, bank accounts, and tenant screening. The CFPB maintains a list of specialty agencies. For maximum protection, also set up a free weekly credit report monitoring at annualcreditreport.com.
Common red flags
- You shared your SSN, date of birth, or full ID documents with a scammer
- Unauthorized credit accounts appear on your credit report
- You received credit cards you never applied for
- Lenders contact you about applications you never made
- Your credit score unexpectedly dropped with no changes you authorized
What to do now
- Freeze your credit at Equifax (equifax.com), Experian (experian.com), and TransUnion (transunion.com)
- Store the freeze PINs or confirmation codes in a safe location
- Place a fraud alert in addition to the freeze for added creditor notification
- Check your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com for existing fraudulent accounts
- Report any new fraudulent accounts to the lender and dispute them
- Visit /recovery for additional identity protection steps
Frequently asked questions
Does a credit freeze affect my existing credit cards?
No. A freeze only affects new credit applications. Your existing accounts continue to function normally — you can use your current credit cards, and your existing creditors can still review your account.
What is the difference between a credit freeze and a fraud alert?
A fraud alert asks lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit — it is a flag, not a block. A credit freeze completely blocks new credit inquiries. Both are free and you can use both simultaneously for stronger protection.