You can keep your report locked by default unlock it when you're applying for credit, homeowners or car insurance, new cellular service, or other transactions requiring a credit check, then lock it back up. We unlocked the credit report just as easily a few moments later. When we swiped a finger across that icon, a big green "Locked" appeared several seconds later. It opened to a single screen with a big red "Unlocked" on it. So CR downloaded the mobile app and scrutinized the fine print to see how Lock & Alert stacks up. But locking every door and window to your financial house is essential to safeguarding your privacy against crooks, and every protection tool should be considered. Currently, only 12 percent of identity theft involves new-account fraud.
The Equifax data breach, revealed in September 2017, compromised the personal information of more than 145 million Americans.
#EQUIFAX SECURITY FREEZE OR CREDIT FILE LOCK FREE#
Innovis, a fourth, lesser-known credit bureau, offers credit freezes free of charge but doesn't offer a "lock" service, according to Mike Catello, its vice president of operations. TransUnion has offered a free standalone lock for consumers since 2016, but only in exchange for an agreement to receive targeted marketing offers. But Lock & Alert promises to be faster and easier than a freeze, and free for life.Įxperian allows consumers to "lock" their credit as part of its credit-monitoring services for $10 to $25 a month.
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