What is FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION /Credit Freeze FAQs

If you’re concerned about identity theft, data breaches, or someone gaining access to your credit report without your permission, you might consider placing a credit freeze on your report.
What is a credit freeze?
Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?
Does a credit freeze stop prescreened credit offers?
Can anyone see my credit report if it is frozen?
How do I place a freeze on my credit reports?
How do I lift a freeze?
What’s the difference between a credit freeze and a fraud alert?

What is a credit freeze?

Also known as a security freeze, this free tool lets you restrict access to your credit report, which in turn makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. That’s because most creditors need to see your credit report before they approve a new account. If they can’t see your report, they may not extend the credit.

Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?

No. A credit freeze does not affect your credit score.

A credit freeze also does not:

• prevent you from getting your free annual credit report
• keep you from opening a new account. But to open one, you’ll need to lift the freeze temporarily. It’s free to lift the freeze and free to place it again when you’re done accessing your credit.
• keep you from applying for a job, renting an apartment, or buying insurance. The freeze doesn’t apply to these actions so you don’t need to lift it.
• prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts. You still need to monitor all bank, credit card and insurance statements for fraudulent transactions.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs