To protect ourselves financially, we decided to freeze our credit. That means no one else can open a line of credit unless we use our personal identification number (PIN) that only we know and can use to temporarily "thaw" our credit so that legitimate applications for credit and services can be processed. If we need a new line of credit to be opened, we can ask that company which credit company they use and “thaw” that credit line temporarily. The North Carolina Department of Justice has provided this (or arranged for it to be provided) to citizens for free, so freezing and thawing your credit is free to do online as often as you need.
Credit freezes are one of the most effective tools against economic ID theft available to consumers. They allow you to seal your credit reports and that added layer of security means that thieves can't establish new credit in your name even if they are able to obtain your ID. This is a great way to have some peace of mind that your identity is safer than without it. It's important to protect your PIN number and make sure no one gets it.
More information is available at the links below:
North Carolina Links to Free Credit Freeze
Credit Freeze Information for Other States
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