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You can also access other products including free credit reports and fraud alerts. This program lets you control your Equifax credit report and files for free. For total protection, you’ll want to lock your credit with all three bureaus. Each one only locks your credit file with a single credit bureau. There are three main credit lock programs you can use. Only unlock it when you apply for a personal loan or to open a new credit account. While some of these services are free, others charge a monthly fee to lock and unlock your credit.īecause you can immediately toggle a credit lock on or off, it's recommended to keep your credit locked at all times. To lock your credit, you must enroll in a program with the three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can conveniently toggle the credit lock switch on/off as desired from the Aura mobile app.

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You can lock and unlock credit files online or via Aura's mobile app using biometric identity verification techniques like Face ID.

Credit locks are faster and more convenient than freezes.

Here’s how a credit lock is different from a credit freeze: Instead, they are governed by a contract between you and the credit reporting agency. What Is a Credit Lock? When Should You Use It?Ī credit lock prevents creditors and lenders from accessing your credit history and, in theory, opening a new credit account in your name.Ĭredit locks are not protected by law. To protect your bank account, credit card, and other financial accounts, consider a credit monitoring service. It can only stop anyone from opening new accounts or lines of credit in your name. Remember: Neither a lock or freeze can protect your current accounts from scammers. Follow this guide on what to do if your identity is stolen to secure yourself from the worst consequences of identity theft. If you think you’ve been the victim of identity theft, you need to do more than lock or freeze your credit.

Being locked out of your online accounts (email, mobile banking, social media, etc.).

A sudden change in your credit score - especially a drop.

Being denied for loans, credit cards, or mortgages.

Sensitive documents or mail are missing (bills, tax documents, driver’s license, passport, etc.).

Calls from debt collectors about purchases you didn’t make or loans you didn’t take out.

#Equifax credit freeze lift lost pin pro

( Pro tip: Use Aura’s free Dark Web scanner to check if your sensitive information has been compromised.) Finding your personal information online after a recent data breach.Hard inquiries on your credit file that you don’t recognize.Unfamiliar charges on your credit card or bank account statements.Instead, strongly consider a lock or freeze if you see any warning signs of identity theft or credit fraud, such as: However, it doesn’t always make sense to have a lock or freeze enabled - especially if you’re actively shopping around and applying for credit, such as a new credit card, auto loan, or mortgage. When Should You Lock or Freeze Your Credit?īoth credit locks and credit freezes can be used to proactively protect your credit from scammers. Try Aura’s top-rated identity theft protection free for 14 days and secure your identity (and finances) against fraud. ✅ Take action: If scammers get access to your financial information, they could take out loans in your name or empty your bank account. In this guide, we’ll cover the similarities and key differences between a credit lock and a credit freeze to help you pick the one that’s best for you.

But while these terms sound the same, there are differences in how they work, what they cost - and ultimately, which one is right for you. Once enabled, these tools prevent anyone from accessing your credit file, which can stop criminals from opening new accounts or taking out loans in your name. Ī credit lock and a credit freeze are both great ways to protect your credit, personal finances, and identity from fraudsters.

Last year alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), received close to 700,000 reports of fraud related to new fraudulent bank accounts, credit cards, and loans. One of the easiest ways scammers can target your finances is by using your stolen information to open new accounts or take out lines of credit and loans in your name. What’s Better? A Credit Lock or a Credit Freeze?