YSK how to freeze and unfreeze your accounts with Equifax, Experian, Transunion, ChexSystems, and Innovis. (If you haven’t already)

Before we begin you will need a pen and paper to write down all the usernames, passwords, security codes, pins, and ref ID#’s that you are about to make..

You should also know that depending on your state this could cost you some money (Approx $10 per agency) depending if you are freezing or unfreezing... so have a form of payment ready. In my state it was free to freeze.

First thing you want to do is sign up for "my social security" so you can see if anyone's using your SSA benefits.  Much easier to do this before setting up a credit freeze.  Also setup SMS text messages to the account so passwords cannot be reset just by hijacking your email. http://ift.tt/2ohd70j

When freezing the following accounts, be careful not to signup for any credit monitoring services.  These aren't worth anything (IMO) and are a subscription service, so they've got negative value.  This includes TrueIdentiy.  You want to "freeze" NOT "lock".

All of the following 5 agencies should allow you to freeze.  Depending on your state it might cost ~$10 per agency per person, but I think it's worth it.  Each will give you an unfreeze pin.  All must be separately frozen.  USPS confirmation is often given after the request is made (1-2 weeks to get confirmation).

I have included phone numbers below to the five agencies incase you prefer to call. I did all of my freezes online and it took me about 30-45 mins.

Freeze Equifax http://ift.tt/1iqjWqU Equifax: ‪1-866 349-5191 ‬(Do NOT sign up for any of their Equifax Complete Plans! $14.99 - $29.99/mth)

Freeze Experian http://ift.tt/19xfN1S Experian: ‪1-888-397-3742‬ (Do NOT sign up for Experian IdentityWorks Premium! $19.99/mth)

Freeze Transunion http://ift.tt/1iqjWqV Need to create a transunion account. Transunion: ‪1-888-909-8872‬ (8AM-11PM EST M-F, 8AM-8PM EST weekends)  (Do NOT sign up for TU Credit Lock! $19.95/mth)

Freeze ChexSystems (like credit reporting, but for banks) http://ift.tt/2wH7SLd Checksytems: 1-800.887.7652

Freeze Innovis http://ift.tt/1CA9Mgr Innovis: ‪1-800-540-2505‬

Setup a billing password or PIN with your cell provider for extra security if you like.  Otherwise someone could more easily steal your phone number and receive texts, which often means they can reset passwords on your online accounts.  The default secret used by phone companies is social security #, which ain't very private anymore.

ONGOING MONITORING

Periodically review credit reports.  You can get them free yearly with http://ift.tt/ULkmdz Every 4 months you can get a report from just one of the agencies.  Only visit a particular one every 12 months.  So it's free to get a report every 4 months.

All thanks for this should go to my sister and brother in law who sent out a mass email to family members. Hope it helps you too.