As an income tax preparer, I also recommend creating an account with the IRS and obtain a PIN (protection identity number), if you don’t already have one. This will prevent someone else from filing an income tax return in your name, even an online return. After you receive a number, you will automatically receive a different number each filing year. If you don’t prepare your own return, be sure to give your preparer the number or it will get rejected by the IRS.
I’ve had my credit frozen for about 10 years. I have codes for all 3 and security questions. I did unfreeze it a couple of times to allow for credit check. Then refrozen it afterwards.
So did they require you to "unfreeze" using your phone to get those verification texts if you did it 10 years ago? Did you freeze by mail or online? I did it by mail years ago, but don't feel like opening more accounts with them online just to check or unfreeze... I really feel like they are pushing everyone to freeze their accounts by opening an account with all 3 credit companies and it's really susp. 🤔🤔 Maybe they want access to our phones by doing this?? Who knows.
@Runner8617 Buddy, if you think your phone is secure, think again. You are using social media. UA-cam/Google, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and several other apps ALL access your phone's camera and microphone. Your phone is ALWAYS watching and listening to you, regardless of whether or not you are currently holding it and using it. Even the thoughts in your head are no longer private! I guarantee you that now that I have mentioned to you the words lemon chiffon pie, you will start seeing articles and recipes for variations of lemon pie. You're likely to even get how-to videos on UA-cam. Why? Because you'll be thinking about lemon pie and somehow, UA-cam can read your mind. It happened to me! I was in the shower, thinking random thoughts when 2 music artists I hadn't heard or thought about for 20 years crossed my mind. An hour later when I opened UA-cam, BOTH ARTISTS WERE IN MY RECOMMENDED VIDEOS. I never said either artist name out loud, never searched videos for either one, didn't even mention to anyone that I had the random thoughts. Try saying something out loud like.....Westminster Kennel Club. Soon, you'll start seeing videos for dog shows and ads for dog grooming products. So no...your phone is NOT safe, is NOT secure, is NOT private, and absolutely 100% IS spying on you.
Probably 95% of people have never heard of freezing or locking reports or 2-Factor authentication. 2-Factor and reports should be frozen by default! It's as if they want your money and identity stolen.
Yup…DO THIS! My husband and I did this YEARS AGO. She’s right tho…be sure to get your new yearly code before going to do your taxes. They won’t be able to submit your return without it.
This is a very worthwhile service from KVUE News in Austin, Texas. Thank you! I don't live in Texas, but I support excellence on YT so I liked and subbed. In an interesting twist, I tried to freeze my credit last week and could not do it. Phone lines to speak with someone were completely backed up, and when I tried to do it with the phonebot even I could not answer all the questions it asked. So I hung up. It's a strange world when "security" measures bar access to the actual person but cannot keep the criminals out of their systems. 🙄
I froze mine over the phone 2.5 years ago ... I called all 3 credit agencies and FTC. and I paid Lifelock for 20 years of monitoring and when I froze my SS# they never notified me of activity on my account. They offered me 6 mos. free, my response ...I ran away from LL and speaking to Mgrs. only made matters worse. Identity theft prior to INet was far and few in between. Now it's 24/7 around the clock, globally ...my famous last question..."where do we go from here?"
I had a friend who froze her credit report. She was getting ready to move, so she unfroze her credit report. Well! The unfreezing took a long time to go into effect. She had to move into her new home WITHOUT any utilities because the utility company's credit request had been denied AND they told her they would NOT submit a second request. She and her dog had to live in South Florida in July with no utilities until the whole thing got sorted out. Credit reports are used for lots of essential things, not just loans.
@@same5952exactly. Mine was unfrozen in just a few hours, usually it takes less. She must’ve pushed it off to the last minute and didn’t tell the full story
Was this a long time ago? Back when the Equifax hack first happened, freezing was a hassle. Even temporary lifts (lifting from a specific date to another) were a hassle. These days, it's actually very easy and can be done online while also going into effect almost immediately. I'm sorry your friend went through that as it sounds truly horrible, but it's unlikely that such scenarios are a current norm.
4 місяці тому+9
I didn't get it. Can someone else unfreeze the credit freeze?
Not with just your SS number. They would need your log in info and your cell phone. Even if they had your log in info but not your phone they still can't. The credit bureau will send a code to your phone that you have to enter to unlock.
I froze mine back when Experion got hacked. Had to freeze each one individually and I have a passcode for each individual service. So even if someone has my SS number, they would also need those passcodes to unfreeze my credit. Credit freeze does not permit 'hard credit inquiries' which is what companies require before they issue credit cards, mortgages, or consumer loans.
Freezing your credit report is more about protecting you from someone doing something nefarious like opening new lines of credit in your name without your knowledge, racking up debt for which you would be legally responsible, than it is about someone stealing your existing accounts. So the actions you suggest are also important but don't replace freezing your credit reports.
The big 3 already have it. By now, hackers can already compile data on a huge number of individuals as well. But knowing which ones to target may not be so simple as many people are in debt already, and the risk of getting caught for targeting someone with a low credit limit may be greater than some thieves want to take. I saw video of a man, for example, who "stole" someone's credit to buy a new car. The dealer figured out he was an imposter with little difficulty and arranged with law enforcement to sell him a car so they could arrest him. He didn't hold those keys for more than a few seconds before he was in handcuffs. 😆 Also, to match a name and SSN with all the other data required to establish identity online is not a simple task. Many data compilers have a list of "possible" matches for common information like email, name variations, SSNs, etc. Even if a hacker gained access to all this data it would not be simple to know which combination of possible matches was correct.
At the end she said you can do it by mail, but when I tried to help someone do it, all 3 companies tell you the only way is by opening an account online, no paper options. 😒 Either someone is un-informed or someone is lying.
That's not how freezing works. You don't stop building your credit when your credit report is frozen. As long as you're even just using a credit card and paying your bills promptly, you're building credit. Freezing your credit report does not mean you can't use your credit cards etc. It just means that creditors/lenders/whoever legitimately needs to verify something cannot simply pull your credit report at will. You essentially need to give permission to the credit bureaus ahead of time.
I froze mine a few years ago. It may not solve all ID theft problems but it’s worth doing.
What other problems could it come with ???
As an income tax preparer, I also recommend creating an account with the IRS and obtain a PIN (protection identity number), if you don’t already have one. This will prevent someone else from filing an income tax return in your name, even an online return. After you receive a number, you will automatically receive a different number each filing year. If you don’t prepare your own return, be sure to give your preparer the number or it will get rejected by the IRS.
I’ve heard of this happening but wasn’t aware of any measures you could take to protect yourself. Thank you so much.
Until the IRS is hacked
Ok! Im also a tax preparer! Read my earlier post! The government doesn’t safeguard anything with a pin or otherwise!
Everything you do will be pointless.
@@sillylilly6774 it doesn’t, but at least having a PIN makes it less likely that someone else will file a tax return with your information!
Wait up. Even with a freeze Experian allows what is called a soft inquiry. This can still be used by some companies. Beware
I’ve had my credit frozen for about 10 years. I have codes for all 3 and security questions. I did unfreeze it a couple of times to allow for credit check. Then refrozen it afterwards.
Same here.
So did they require you to "unfreeze" using your phone to get those verification texts if you did it 10 years ago? Did you freeze by mail or online? I did it by mail years ago, but don't feel like opening more accounts with them online just to check or unfreeze... I really feel like they are pushing everyone to freeze their accounts by opening an account with all 3 credit companies and it's really susp. 🤔🤔 Maybe they want access to our phones by doing this?? Who knows.
@Runner8617 Buddy, if you think your phone is secure, think again. You are using social media. UA-cam/Google, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and several other apps ALL access your phone's camera and microphone. Your phone is ALWAYS watching and listening to you, regardless of whether or not you are currently holding it and using it. Even the thoughts in your head are no longer private! I guarantee you that now that I have mentioned to you the words lemon chiffon pie, you will start seeing articles and recipes for variations of lemon pie. You're likely to even get how-to videos on UA-cam. Why? Because you'll be thinking about lemon pie and somehow, UA-cam can read your mind. It happened to me! I was in the shower, thinking random thoughts when 2 music artists I hadn't heard or thought about for 20 years crossed my mind. An hour later when I opened UA-cam, BOTH ARTISTS WERE IN MY RECOMMENDED VIDEOS. I never said either artist name out loud, never searched videos for either one, didn't even mention to anyone that I had the random thoughts. Try saying something out loud like.....Westminster Kennel Club. Soon, you'll start seeing videos for dog shows and ads for dog grooming products. So no...your phone is NOT safe, is NOT secure, is NOT private, and absolutely 100% IS spying on you.
@@VMR8648 I did it online with all 3. After I made the 10 dollar payment for each one, they sent me the code for each
Doesn’t matter! The Equifax breach leaked our information years ago! The culprits sit in that information and use it at a later date! Doesn’t work!
Weve had over 8 breaches in the last 5 years. Equifax got hit twice. This year alone saw 5.
Probably 95% of people have never heard of freezing or locking reports or 2-Factor authentication. 2-Factor and reports should be frozen by default! It's as if they want your money and identity stolen.
Yup…DO THIS! My husband and I did this YEARS AGO. She’s right tho…be sure to get your new yearly code before going to do your taxes. They won’t be able to submit your return without it.
This is a very worthwhile service from KVUE News in Austin, Texas. Thank you! I don't live in Texas, but I support excellence on YT so I liked and subbed.
In an interesting twist, I tried to freeze my credit last week and could not do it. Phone lines to speak with someone were completely backed up, and when I tried to do it with the phonebot even I could not answer all the questions it asked. So I hung up. It's a strange world when "security" measures bar access to the actual person but cannot keep the criminals out of their systems. 🙄
I froze mine over the phone 2.5 years ago ... I called all 3 credit agencies and FTC. and I paid Lifelock for 20 years of monitoring and when I froze my SS# they never notified me of activity on my account. They offered me 6 mos. free, my response ...I ran away from LL and speaking to Mgrs. only made matters worse. Identity theft prior to INet was far and few in between. Now it's 24/7 around the clock, globally ...my famous last question..."where do we go from here?"
Interesting, weird nobody else is talking about this dangerous hack
JD Delay & lots of other people are
Everyone was talking about this a week ago……….
---- Ha ha ha....
Welcome to planet earth!
Not true. Seeing this in many places in media.
I had a friend who froze her credit report. She was getting ready to move, so she unfroze her credit report. Well! The unfreezing took a long time to go into effect. She had to move into her new home WITHOUT any utilities because the utility company's credit request had been denied AND they told her they would NOT submit a second request. She and her dog had to live in South Florida in July with no utilities until the whole thing got sorted out. Credit reports are used for lots of essential things, not just loans.
It doesn't take a long time.
@@same5952exactly. Mine was unfrozen in just a few hours, usually it takes less. She must’ve pushed it off to the last minute and didn’t tell the full story
Was this a long time ago? Back when the Equifax hack first happened, freezing was a hassle. Even temporary lifts (lifting from a specific date to another) were a hassle. These days, it's actually very easy and can be done online while also going into effect almost immediately. I'm sorry your friend went through that as it sounds truly horrible, but it's unlikely that such scenarios are a current norm.
I didn't get it. Can someone else unfreeze the credit freeze?
Not with just your SS number. They would need your log in info and your cell phone. Even if they had your log in info but not your phone they still can't. The credit bureau will send a code to your phone that you have to enter to unlock.
I froze mine back when Experion got hacked. Had to freeze each one individually and I have a passcode for each individual service. So even if someone has my SS number, they would also need those passcodes to unfreeze my credit. Credit freeze does not permit 'hard credit inquiries' which is what companies require before they issue credit cards, mortgages, or consumer loans.
NO.
No. Changing all your bank passwords and pin numbers does. The card can't charge you without your routing and account numbers.
Freezing your credit report is more about protecting you from someone doing something nefarious like opening new lines of credit in your name without your knowledge, racking up debt for which you would be legally responsible, than it is about someone stealing your existing accounts. So the actions you suggest are also important but don't replace freezing your credit reports.
@@babybaklavagus Thank you.
They don’t let me freeze.
Don’t believe you.
@@williamwilson6499 even when you called? I couldn't open an online acc for 1 of the credit union so I called and they froze it
Who is "they"? Freezing is very simple and free.
What if the thief freezes your account?
The you ask you questions from your past only you should know. Past phone numbers, addresses, etc.
Um. Are you forgetting that AT&T required ssn for the cell service. Hackers know.
Crazy…. so I gotta pay extra to get the best protection for my personal information who I did not give credit bureaus to have anyway.
Ok😒
I froze mine years ago. No charge. I think a "lock" gives you extra privileges which do cost.
no its a scam
@@yourworstfearno, it is free to just freeze your credit through all three bureaus. I just did it and it is free.
I had to pay $5.00 for each freeze years ago, but I know that the law changed and the credit bureaus can no longer charge to freeze your credit.
@@kevinduveneck1504 That's right. After there were so many security breaches, congress changed the law.
Freeze your SSN
I froze my family after hearing all this leak a few days ago
Thank you !!
So when you give the big 3 credit reporting agency’s your personal information the hackers will sooner or later get this also ? 😂
The big 3 already have it. By now, hackers can already compile data on a huge number of individuals as well. But knowing which ones to target may not be so simple as many people are in debt already, and the risk of getting caught for targeting someone with a low credit limit may be greater than some thieves want to take. I saw video of a man, for example, who "stole" someone's credit to buy a new car. The dealer figured out he was an imposter with little difficulty and arranged with law enforcement to sell him a car so they could arrest him. He didn't hold those keys for more than a few seconds before he was in handcuffs. 😆
Also, to match a name and SSN with all the other data required to establish identity online is not a simple task. Many data compilers have a list of "possible" matches for common information like email, name variations, SSNs, etc. Even if a hacker gained access to all this data it would not be simple to know which combination of possible matches was correct.
LOL in TransUnion message, it said they got hacked
At the end she said you can do it by mail, but when I tried to help someone do it, all 3 companies tell you the only way is by opening an account online, no paper options. 😒 Either someone is un-informed or someone is lying.
All 3 companies have instructions on their sites about how to mail in an application.
You can also do it by phone.
@mellocello187 thank you!
Great advice!
no it does not hackers want it they can get it stop the lies just to take peoples money.
It's only worth the hacker's time for millionaires like you.
If freezing credit, it is very difficult to get a loan to buy a house, because you have low reputation points...
Not true.
Another "not true".
That's not how freezing works. You don't stop building your credit when your credit report is frozen. As long as you're even just using a credit card and paying your bills promptly, you're building credit. Freezing your credit report does not mean you can't use your credit cards etc. It just means that creditors/lenders/whoever legitimately needs to verify something cannot simply pull your credit report at will. You essentially need to give permission to the credit bureaus ahead of time.