Topic
Credit and identity: scams and fixes
By Brennan Decker. Last reviewed . Every fact links to its source.
The short answer
Credit freezes, data breaches, and identity theft. Pick the one that matches what you got. Each page shows how to check it and what to do if you already responded.
Pages in Credit and identity
- How to freeze your creditFree by law, doesn't touch your score. Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and the optional extras.
- What to do after a data breachGot a breach notice? The steps depend on what was exposed. Here's the checklist.
- Fake voter registration textsA text says you're not registered to vote? Check it yourself at vote.gov.
- Credit freeze vs. fraud alertWhich one you need, how long each lasts, and how to place it. Both are free.
Other topics
- TextsScam texts about tolls, packages, elections, and more.
- CallsCalls from fake agencies, fake grandkids, and fake Medicare.
- EmailPhishing emails and how to check any message.
- ShoppingFake stores and fake delivery messages.
- Money and banksGift cards, payment requests, and getting money back.
- Accounts and passwordsCodes, hacked accounts, and what to do after a click.
- Older adultsScams that often target older people and their families.
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