We’re ensuring consumers have the tools they need to protect themselves from identity thieves.

PIRG Consumer Watchdog
Protect Your Credit
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When Equifax lost the critical financial data of more than 147 million Americans, it was a startling reminder that we need a lot more control over our personal information.

We didn't hire the three big credit unions—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—to collect and sell financial data about us, and we certainly didn't give them permission to lose it. So why should we have to pay them to keep our financial information private and secure? We shouldn’t. And we should have more control over our own information.

We’re working to make sure that consumers know their rights after Equifax exposed the financial data of more than 147 million Americans. If you haven't taken steps to protect yourself after the Equifax data breach, we recommend you take a look at the resources provided below. We answer some of the most common questions we get from consumers about how they can protect themselves from identity thieves.

Keeping Your Online Identity Safe

We live in the age of big data. More and more information about the private details of our lives is collected, analyzed and sold by massive financial institutions, and, too often, this information is handled irresponsibly, or put at risk without our consent or control.

Freezing Your Credit Report Is Now Free

Freezing your credit report can stop identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name with your Social Security number.

 
Here’s how it works: Most creditors won’t issue you new credit without first viewing your credit report. If your credit reports are frozen, someone else can’t open an account in your name. You can still use your credit card. Your credit score won’t be affected. You’ll just be safer from identity thieves.

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RESOURCE: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft