NY Officials Urge Credit Freezes to Prevent Identity Theft

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is encouraging consumers to take preventive measures to avoid identity theft by protecting their credit through a credit freeze. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there were more than 1.35 million reports of identity theft by New Yorkers in 2025. Many of those complaints involved thieves taking out loans, opening credit cards, or creating other financial accounts in a victim’s name. Applying a free credit freeze prevents potential lenders from accessing your credit report, making it much harder for thieves to use your information in these ways.

“Financial Literacy Month is an important reminder that protecting your personal information is just as critical as managing your finances,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “A credit freeze is a simple, free and effective tool that can help prevent identity thieves from opening accounts or taking out loans in your name. By taking proactive steps now, New Yorkers can better safeguard their financial future and protect themselves from costly scams and fraud.”

Why Protect Your Credit?

Proactively taking steps to protect your credit can save money, prevent long-term credit damage, and ensure you have access to credit when you need it.

Consumers don’t have to wait until identity theft occurs to guard their credit. Requesting a credit freeze is a free, secure, and proactive way to make it harder for scammers to take out loans or open accounts in your name.

What Is a Credit Freeze?

Protecting your credit through a credit freeze is an effective, free strategy for identity theft prevention—and it does not impact your credit score. Here are some key points:

• A credit freeze (also called a “security freeze”) prevents outsiders from accessing your credit report until you lift or “thaw” the freeze. Once lifted, lenders can access your credit report until it is refrozen.
• Credit bureaus allow you to temporarily lift or “thaw” the freeze for a set period. After that time, the freeze automatically resumes.
• Credit freezes are free, though bureaus may offer additional paid identity protection services.
• You must contact all three major credit bureaus individually to freeze each of your credit reports.
• Regularly reviewing your credit report is important, as errors may signal identity theft. Consumers can check their reports weekly for free at annualcreditreport.com.

How to Freeze Your Credit

Online:
Credit bureaus recommend placing a freeze online for the fastest service, typically taking just a few minutes.

• Experian: experian.com/help/credit-freeze/
• TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze
• Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze

By Phone:

• Experian: (888) 397-3742
• TransUnion: (800) 909-8872
• Equifax: (888) 298-0045

By Mail:

Each bureau has specific instructions for submitting a written request. In general, you’ll need to provide your full name, address, Social Security number, and supporting documents.

• Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
• TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094
• Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788

Consumers can also use these same contacts to remove or temporarily lift a credit freeze when needed.