Credit security for PWD

Kibbee

We received notification that a firm that has DH’s info on file had a security breach, putting his personal identifiers at risk of exposure. The firm offered a free two year subscription for a reputable security monitoring service to all parties affected, so I took advantage of that offer. The firm’s communication recommended checking credit reports which I did that immediately. Thankfully all was OK, no suspicious activity. The firm’s communication also recommended putting a Fraud Alert or a Credt Freeze on his credit file. A Fraud Alert is one year only, and while it advises potential lenders of the alert and recommends that they contact you before approving credit, they do not have to, so DH could still be at risk for fraud. A Credit Freeze is more permanent, and a lender cannot move forward with approving credit in DH’s name without contacting him and getting permission.

Has anyone had experience with putting a Credit Freeze in place for their PWD? What were the pros and cons? Did you go through the process of providing all the required documentation to prove you had authority to request the Credit Freeze, or just do it over the phone with your PWD there verbally giving their approval? Did you have any situations where you needed to have the Credit Freeze released, and how hard or easy was that to accomplish? (I’m concerned if I go the quick and easy route - having DH give verbal OK during a phone call to the credit agency - it may be difficult in the future if for some reason I need to release the Credit Freeze.). Any words of wisdom will be much appreciated. Thank you.

MN Chickadee

I did the credit freeze with the 3 agencies online for my parents and inlaws. Other than needing their personal info I didn't really need to involve them. You create an account and do it on the websites. You get a PIN number that would be required to un-freeze it to apply for loans. Freezing it is your best bet. I have not needed to unfreeze them since I did it like 5 years ago. Maybe if you needed to buy a new car or something but generally it doesn't come up very often. Unfreezing can also be done online.

mommyandme (m&m)

I don’t think there’s a downside to freezing his/your credit. If you’d like to buy something needing a credit check you just unfreeze it. I did it online, no need to involve your husband. You’re not betraying him by doing it without his knowledge, you’re protecting him.

JJ401

I just froze it. Never told DH. Just did it. It’s easy to do online. You (He) don't have to talk to anyone.

Kibbee

Thank you for sharing how you handled your PWD’s credit reports. Very good info, and helped me to decide to use the online option to put a Freeze on DH’s file.