 TITLE: What Is a Credit Freeze? CONTENT: When Should I Set Up a Credit Freeze?\n-------------------------------------\nIf you've been a victim of identity theft or credit fraud, or suspect you might be, you have more than one option. There are less-disruptive alternatives to a credit freeze (see below), including fraud alerts, but freezing your credit is one tool to consider.\nOther reasons to consider actions to protect your credit include:\n*   Signs of suspicious activity on your credit reports, such as new credit accounts or inquiries you don't recognize\n*   Unexplained bills or collection notices on your phone or mailed to your address\n*   Unauthorized withdrawals or cash transfers from your checking or savings accounts\n*   Notice that your personal information has been compromised in a data breach END