How to Freeze Your Credit and Protect Yourself from Fraud

man frustrated while sitting at his computer. Hands over eyes.

Fraud and identity theft continue to affect individuals and families across Missouri and beyond. At First Independent Bank of Aurora, we know that strong communities are built on trust—and part of that trust means helping our neighbors stay informed, secure, and financially protected.

One of the most common questions we hear is:

“How do I freeze my credit to protect myself from fraud?”

Let’s walk through what that means, why it matters, and how you can take action today.
 

What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) is a free tool that limits access to your credit report. When your credit is frozen, lenders and other companies can’t view your credit information to approve new credit applications.

This makes it much harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name, even if they have your personal information.
 

When Should You Consider Freezing Your Credit?

You may want to freeze your credit if:

  • You’ve been a victim of identity theft
  • You’ve noticed suspicious activity on your accounts
  • You want extra protection from fraud
  • You’re not planning to apply for new credit or loans in the near future

It’s also a good idea to freeze the credit of minor children to protect them from synthetic identity fraud, which can go undetected for years.
 

What’s the Difference Between a Credit Freeze and a Credit Lock?

A credit freeze and a credit lock both restrict access to your credit report, which helps protect you from identity theft, but they are not exactly the same.

  • A credit freeze is a free service required by federal law and must be done through each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). It offers strong protection and can only be lifted using a PIN or password.
  • A credit lock is offered as part of a paid subscription service from some credit bureaus. It’s typically easier to turn on and off using a mobile app, but it may come with fees and slightly different terms depending on the provider.

Our take: A credit freeze provides the same (or stronger) level of security without the cost. For most people, it’s the best option for long-term protection.
 

Does Freezing My Credit Affect My Credit Score?

No—it doesn’t.

Freezing your credit has no impact on your credit score.

A credit freeze simply limits who can access your credit report. It does not affect your ability to use existing credit cards, pay your bills, or manage your accounts. Your score will continue to update normally based on your credit activity.

It’s one of the few security steps you can take that doesn’t come with a downside.
 

How to Freeze Your Credit

To fully freeze your credit, you’ll need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually. Each bureau offers an online portal and phone support to help you through the process.

Here’s where to go:

You’ll be asked to create a PIN or password to manage your freeze. Keep this information in a safe place. You’ll need it if you ever want to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze.
 

Do I Need to Freeze My Credit with All Three Bureaus?

Yes—you need to contact all three major credit bureaus to fully freeze your credit.

Each bureau—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—maintains its own credit file, and a freeze placed with one does not automatically apply to the others. To ensure full protection, you must request a freeze individually with each one.

It’s a bit of extra work up front, but well worth it for the peace of mind.
 

Other Steps to Protect Yourself

Freezing your credit is just one piece of the puzzle. To further protect your identity:

  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly
  • Use strong, unique passwords for financial accounts
  • Avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or texts
  • Shred personal documents before discarding
  • Enroll in transaction alerts for your accounts

 

Trusted Resources We Recommend

We believe in the power of education and shared resources. These trusted organizations provide valuable information to help protect yourself from fraud:

  • Missouri Bankers Association (MBA)

www.mobankers.com

The MBA provides consumer alerts, financial education tools, and up-to-date fraud protection resources for Missouri residents.

  • ICBA – Independent Community Bankers of America

www.banksneveraskthat.com

ICBA’s national Banks Never Ask That campaign is a fun, interactive resource that helps you spot scams and learn what your bank will never ask you to do.
 

We’re Here to Help

Protecting yourself against fraud doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for guidance on freezing your credit, identifying scam activity, or improving your overall financial security, our team at First Independent Bank of Aurora is here for you.

We’re proud to serve our community—and that means helping you stay safe, secure, and informed.