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8.3 million Americans fall victim to identity theft each year.

For legislators: The Clean Credit and Identity Theft Protection Act: Model State Law (PDF) for states seeking to enact stronger protections for consumers.

For legislators: Model Bill to Reduce Solicitation, Mailing and Other Uses of SSNs

Lock up credit files with a security freeze

A security freeze lets consumers stop thieves from getting credit in their names. A security freeze locks, or freezes, access to the consumer credit report and credit score. Without this information, a business will not open new accounts for a thief. When the consumer wants to open a new account, he or she uses a PIN to unlock access to the credit file. Check below to see if your state has a security freeze law and learn how to use it.

Security Freeze
Make sure you are notified about data security breaches
Limit use of your Social Security number
Protect your data
- Chronology of Security Breaches
- Reviewing Your Credit Report
- Identity Theft: Tips for Consumers
- Factsheet about ID Theft
- Stop Thieves from Stealing You (Consumer Reports, October 2003)
Additional information on protecting your data

Archives

How to get your security freeze in your state

Share your identity theft story.
Have you or a loved one experienced identity theft? We would like to hear your story.

Updates From Consumers Union

CU says Social Security numbers need protection
Widespread use and availability of Social Security numbers puts Americans at risk of ID theft

Things to consider when deciding whether to place a Security Freeze
Should you get a security freeze? Here is some information from Consumers Union about this personal choice.

FTC: 8.3 million identity theft victims in U.S.
Report shows need for tougher identity theft protections

Federal legislators tell consumer reporting agencies to improve the security freeze
Congresswoman Maloney and Sen. Schumer have called on credit bureaus to make security freezes more affordable.

ID theft freeze available nationwide on Nov. 1
Consumers Union offers guide to freezing access to credit files to thwart ID thieves

Frequently asked questions about security freeze
Credit card companies, merchants, other businesses, and government entities do not always adequately safeguard consumers' private financial information.

Costly credit-monitoring services offer limited fraud protection
Consumer Reports says credit monitoring is overrated, oversold, and overpriced

Powerful ID theft protection goes nationwide
All three credit bureaus will offer "security freeze" protection in all 50 states by November 1

TransUnion offering security freeze nationwide
Consumer groups call on Experian and Equifax to meet or exceed TransUnion's plan.

CR Poll: Americans want identity theft protections
Consumer Reports poll finds 89% of Americans want lawmakers to restrict use of Social Security numbers