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• • Your current creditors can still access your credit reports, as can collection agencies acting on their behalf.
• • Government agencies have access for collecting child support payments or taxes, to investigate Medicaid fraud, or in response to court or administrative orders, subpoenas or search warrants.
• • You can temporarily lift a credit freeze either for a specific period of

time, or for a specific party - say, a potential landlord or employer.
• • If you lose your PIN, you may request a new one, although there may be a fee.
• Bottom line: Always monitor your credit reports to spot errors or fraudulent activity. To take security a step further, consider placing a credit freeze on your reports.
• Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney