What is credit ID theft? And how users can prevent it
Published: Jan. 27, 2025 at 12:31 PM PST
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - For Identity Theft Awareness Week, FOX5 is looking at credit ID theft.
It happens when someone uses birthdays and social security numbers to open a new line of credit. There will be clues to the crime in credit reports. Scores could also change.
The Federal Trade Commission says the best way to prevent this type of ID theft is to freeze the credit.
This blocks the data needed for a credit inquiry and prevents the opening of new accounts. This can be done quickly by visiting the major credit bureau’s websites.
Freezes must take effect within one business day, and they can be lifted at any time.
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