Additional protections beyond credit freezes
Credit freezes at the big three bureaus are your foundation. Here are additional steps to close other gaps that identity thieves exploit.
Essential additional protections
IRS Identity Protection PIN
High priorityA 6-digit PIN that's required to file your federal tax return. Without it, no one can file in your name—even if they have your SSN. You'll receive a new PIN each year.
Social Security Account
High priorityCreate your my Social Security account before someone else claims it. This lets you monitor your earnings record and benefits, and prevents someone from diverting your benefits.
ChexSystems Security Freeze
ChexSystems is used by banks when you open checking or savings accounts. A freeze prevents someone from opening fraudulent bank accounts in your name.
USPS Informed Delivery
Get email previews of your incoming mail. This helps you spot if someone has changed your address (a common identity theft tactic) or if suspicious mail is arriving.
Specialty bureau freezes
Beyond the big three credit bureaus, there are specialty bureaus that track other types of data. Freezing these provides additional protection.
NCTUE (National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange)
Used by utilities (electric, gas, phone, internet) when setting up new accounts. A freeze prevents someone from opening utility accounts in your name.
LexisNexis Consumer Disclosure
LexisNexis maintains extensive personal data used for insurance, employment screening, and tenant screening. You can freeze your file and also request a copy of what they have on you.
Innovis
A fourth credit bureau that some lenders use. Less common than the big three, but worth freezing for complete coverage.
Account security essentials
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Enable 2FA on all financial accounts, your primary email, and social media. Use an authenticator app (1Password, Google Authenticator) over SMS when possible.
Use a password manager
Generate and store unique passwords for every account. Reusing passwords means one breach compromises all your accounts. Popular options: 1Password, Bitwarden.
Set up transaction alerts
Enable notifications for all transactions on your credit and debit cards. Most banks let you set alerts for any transaction over $0. You'll catch fraud immediately.
Prioritization
Start with the high-priority items (IRS PIN, SSA account, ChexSystems). The specialty bureau freezes are nice to have but lower priority—most fraud targets the main credit bureaus first.