How to Freeze Your Credit (and Place a Fraud Alert) — Free at All 3 Bureaus (2026)

At a glance

Urgency proactive

Category prevention

Key action Decide between a freeze (strongest; blocks new-credit access) and a fraud alert (lets creditors verify your identity first).

Last verified 2026-06-21

Last verified June 2026 Reviewed quarterly

Immediate steps

Decide between a freeze (strongest; blocks new-credit access) and a fraud alert (lets creditors verify your identity first).
Freeze at all three bureaus separately — a freeze at one does not carry to the others.
To place a fraud alert, contact just one bureau; it must notify the other two.

Prevention and follow-up

Equifax: online via myEquifax, or by phone 1-888-298-0045.
Experian: online, or by phone 1-888-397-3742 (mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013).
TransUnion: online, or by phone 1-800-916-8800.
Get free annual reports at AnnualCreditReport.com (or 1-877-322-8228) and review for unfamiliar accounts.
Temporarily lift (thaw) a freeze when you apply for credit, then re-freeze.

Legal context

Under federal law (the 2018 Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act), placing, lifting, and removing a credit freeze is free at all three nationwide bureaus, and freezes do not expire until you lift them. Bureaus must place a freeze within one business day of an online/phone request and lift it within one hour of an online/phone request. A fraud alert is also free and lasts one year (longer for identity-theft victims). A freeze does not affect your credit score. This is general information, not legal advice.

Key mistakes to avoid

Freezing at only one bureau.
Paying for a freeze (it's always free).
Confusing a freeze with a paid 'credit lock' subscription.
Forgetting to thaw before applying for new credit (can delay approvals).

How Delist helps

A credit freeze stops new-account fraud, but it doesn't remove the personal data that helps criminals impersonate you in the first place. Pairing a freeze with data-broker removal closes both ends. delist.ai handles the broker-removal side.

Find out what personal data is exposed about you online.

Run a free scan →

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal?

How do I prevent this from happening again?

Equifax: online via myEquifax, or by phone 1-888-298-0045. Experian: online, or by phone 1-888-397-3742 (mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013).

Should I contact the police?

If you are in immediate danger or receiving threats, yes — call 911 or your local non-emergency line to create a report. A police report creates a paper trail that platforms and legal processes may require.

Can Delist help with this?

Sources

This guide provides general information for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or safety advice. If you are in danger, contact emergency services immediately.