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how the process works and be aware of several possible inconveniences:
• First, determine if you really need a credit freeze. If your credit or debit card is lost or stolen, you won't necessarily be a victim of identity theft, which usually requires additional personal information. Similarly, fraudulent billing charges don't necessarily indicate identity theft. Verify by reviewing your credit reports. You can order one free report annually from the three major bureaus through the AnnualCreditReport.com; otherwise you'll pay a small fee.
• To freeze your credit reports, you must individually contact each credit bureaus: Equifax (www.equifax.com), Experian (www.experian.com) and TransUnion (www.transunion.com). You'll need to supply your name, address, birth date, Social Security number and other personal information.
• Filing requirements and fees vary based on your state of residence (commonly $5 to $10). People over age 65 sometimes receive a discount and if you are an identity theft victim, credit freezes are free - although you'll need to provide supporting paperwork.
• Once implemented, you'll receive a unique personal identification number (PIN) from each credit bureau. Store these PINs securely because you'll need them to temporarily lift a credit freeze and then reinstate it - usually for a fee.
• All these fees can really add up, so if you're planning any action that requires a credit check, you may want to hold off implementing a freeze. It can take up to five
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