Freeze Your Credit for Free: What to Do If Your Social Security Number Is Stolen
May 2, 2025
If you think your Social Security number (SSN) has been stolen, act fast. One of the most effective steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft is to freeze your credit. This prevents scammers from opening new credit accounts in your name—even if they have your personal details. And the best part? It’s completely free.
Here’s what a credit freeze is, why it matters, and exactly how to do it with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
What Is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) stops lenders from accessing your credit report. Without access to that report, most creditors won’t approve new accounts—making it hard for identity thieves to take out loans or open credit cards in your name.
It doesn’t affect your credit score, and you can lift or “thaw” the freeze temporarily if you need to apply for credit yourself.
When Should You Freeze Your Credit?
Freeze your credit if:
- You’ve lost your wallet or had your identity documents stolen
- Your Social Security number has been exposed or compromised
- You see unfamiliar activity on your credit report
- You want to prevent identity theft proactively
If someone has your SSN, they can apply for credit in your name, access government benefits, or file fraudulent tax returns. Freezing your credit limits their options.
How to Freeze Your Credit for Free
The easiest way to do this is online. You'll have to create an account at the website of the bureau you want to freeze through: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
Will Freezing My Credit Affect Anything Else?
A freeze won’t:
- Affect your credit score
- Stop you from using your current credit cards
- Prevent job background checks (though you may need to temporarily lift the freeze)
- Block pre-approved credit offers (you’ll want to opt out separately)
It will stop new credit accounts from being opened until you unfreeze your reports. (Which is fairly easy to do online, through your account).
Final Tip: Monitor Your Credit
Even with a freeze in place, it’s smart to regularly check your credit reports. You can request a free report once a year from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com.
In Summary: If your Social Security number has been stolen, freezing your credit is a free and powerful way to protect yourself. Don’t wait—take a few minutes to lock down your reports at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It’s a small step that can prevent big problems.
