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Freeze credit for free to protect yourself from identity theft

Posted at 6:31 AM, Sep 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-20 10:56:24-04

13 Action News is helping you protect yourself from identity thieves.  Right now, getting a credit freeze is free.  

Nevada is actually the top state for people to become victims of identity theft, with the average victim losing nearly $6,000.  That's according to a report done by personal security website, ASecureLife.  They say thieves look for victims here because of the amount of gambling and spending.  

One of the best things you can do to prevent identity theft is to freeze your credit, and this week it's free.  

Freezing your credit will prevent thieves from opening credit accounts and applying for loans in your name.  Of course, freezing your credit prevents you from doing this too.  If you need to apply for a loan or credit card, you'll have to unfreeze your card.  

There are three major credit companies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You'll have to call all three to freeze your credit.