Freeze Your Credit When You Are Not Actively Applying for Loans

A credit freeze prevents anyone — including identity thieves — from opening new accounts in your name. It costs nothing, takes a few minutes to set up with each bureau, and you can temporarily lift it whenever you actually need to apply for credit. Most people go months or years between legitimate credit applications, leaving a wide window for fraud.

Think of it like locking your front door when you leave. You do not leave it open just because you plan to come back later. Freeze your credit now, unfreeze it for the specific day you need it, and refreeze it afterward. The minor inconvenience is nothing compared to the months of damage control that identity theft requires.