Equifax Edition: Social Security Tools (Free)

👀 Today’s Focus:  How to make the most of free tools offered by Equifax, a leading credit bureau. While all credit bureaus provide free services, we'll spotlight three essential tools: placing a credit freeze, monitoring your credit regularly, and staying on top of your identity exposure.

😎 Grandkid Tip of the Day:  Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up an Equifax Account, Placing a Credit Freeze, Monitoring Your Credit, and Tracking Identity Exposure.

Step 1: Creating an Equifax Account

• On your computer, go to https://www.equifax.com/personal/products/login-product-comparison/ and click 'Get Started' under the Free Equifax Core Credit™ option.

  

• Enter your personal information in the “Register” section.

• Next, go to the "Create Account" section and enter your email and password, which will be your login credentials for myEquifax. Make sure to choose a strong passphrase, as explained in our previous issue: Master the Art of Strong Passwords.

• In the "Verify" section, choose "Yes, Send Me A Text" to have Equifax verify your phone number.

• Enter the code you receive via text on your computer screen as shown.

• At this point, your myEquifax account is set up. Click "View my Product" to access the main dashboard.

Step 2 (A): Placing a Credit Freeze

• After setting up and logging into your Equifax account, in the main dashboard navigate to the “Place a freeze” section.

• Once you're on the page, review the “How it works” section and select “Place a Feeze” as shown below.

  

   

• On the next two screens, click "Place a Freeze" again until you reach the confirmation screen.

Step 2 (B): Removing the Credit Freeze

• When applying for credit, you'll need to unfreeze your Equifax file. Go to the Credit Freeze section on the dashboard or visit Equifax's Security Freeze page directly to lift it temporarily or permanently.

Step 3: Monitoring Your Credit

• Set up alerts for any changes under the “Place an alert” section.

• Choose the alert that best fits your needs. The "Initial Fraud Alert" is free for 1 year.

• Regularly check your credit report to monitor your score and accounts open.

In our next issue, we’ll explore the free tools offered by Transunion. Keep in mind, to ensure full protection, it's important to utilize these resources across all major credit bureaus —Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.

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