Lots of discussion since the Equifax breach about freezing or monitoring your credit report. Let’s just discuss the basics briefly.
#1 View your credit report from all 3 agencies. There is a free, authorized by Federal Law, provider called Annual Credit Report.Com Here is the link
#2 Freeze your credit report if you are not actively seeking new credit or your identity may be compromised. Here is a helpful FTC post on FAQs around credit freezing.
Basically, you contact each of the nationwide credit reporting companies either online or via telephone:
Experian — 1‑888‑397‑3742
TransUnion — 1-888-909-8872
Equifax — 1-800-349-9960
You’ll need to supply your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and other personal information. Fees vary based on where you live but commonly range from $5 to $10.
After receiving your freeze request, each credit reporting company will send you a confirmation letter containing a unique PIN (personal identification number) or password. Keep the PIN or password in a safe place. You will need it if you choose to lift the freeze.