How to Lock Your Credit If You’ve Been a Victim of a Scam Call

Scam calls are on the rise, and they’re becoming more sophisticated than ever. Whether it’s a fake IRS agent threatening legal action or a phony tech support rep claiming your computer is infected, these scams can leave you vulnerable to identity theft. If you’ve fallen victim to a scam call, one of the most effective ways to protect yourself is by locking your credit.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to secure your credit, explain why it’s crucial, and share additional tips to safeguard your financial future.

Why Locking Your Credit Is Essential After a Scam Call

Scammers don’t just stop at stealing your money—they often aim for something far more damaging: your identity. Once they have enough personal information (like your Social Security number, birth date, or address), they can open fraudulent accounts, take out loans, or even file tax returns in your name.

A credit lock (or credit freeze) restricts access to your credit report, making it nearly impossible for fraudsters to open new accounts in your name. Unlike a fraud alert, which simply requires lenders to verify your identity, a credit lock completely blocks new credit inquiries unless you temporarily lift the freeze.

The Difference Between a Credit Lock and a Fraud Alert

• Credit Lock/Freeze: Prevents lenders from accessing your credit report entirely. You must contact each credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to freeze or unfreeze your credit.
• Fraud Alert: Requires lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit. A fraud alert lasts for one year (or seven years if you file an extended fraud alert).

If you’ve been scammed, a credit lock is the stronger option.

Step-by-Step Guide to Locking Your Credit

1. Contact the Three Major Credit Bureaus

You’ll need to place a freeze with each bureau individually. Here’s how:

Equifax

• Visit www.equifax.com or call 1-800-685-1111.
• Create an account or log in.
• Follow the prompts to place a freeze.

Experian

• Go to www.experian.com or call 1-888-397-3742.
• Select “Freeze Your Credit” under the protection options.

TransUnion

• Visit www.transunion.com or call 1-888-909-8872.
• Navigate to the credit freeze section and complete the request.

2. Keep Your PINs or Passwords Secure

Each bureau will provide you with a PIN or password to unfreeze your credit when needed. Store these in a secure place (like a password manager or a locked safe). Losing them can make it difficult to lift the freeze later.

3. Monitor Your Existing Accounts

Even with a credit freeze, scammers can still misuse your existing accounts. Set up fraud alerts with your bank and credit card companies, and regularly check your statements for unauthorized transactions.

Additional Steps to Protect Yourself After a Scam

Report the Scam to Authorities

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Your Local Police: If financial fraud occurred, file a police report.

Consider Identity Theft Protection Services

Companies like LifeLock, IdentityForce, or Aura offer monitoring services that alert you to suspicious activity.

Strengthen Your Online Security

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all financial accounts.
• Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords.
• Be cautious of phishing emails and unsolicited calls.

When to Unfreeze Your Credit

You’ll need to temporarily lift the freeze if:
- You’re applying for a new loan or credit card.
- Renting an apartment (some landlords check credit).
- Starting a new job (some employers run credit checks).

Plan ahead—unfreezing can take anywhere from minutes to a few days, depending on the bureau.

Final Thoughts

Scam calls are a growing threat, but taking swift action can minimize the damage. Locking your credit is one of the most powerful tools to prevent identity theft. Stay vigilant, monitor your accounts, and don’t hesitate to take extra precautions if you suspect fraud.