 TITLE: How to Change Your Budget in a Financial Emergency CONTENT: Protect Your Credit\n-------------------\nNow more than ever, you should closely guard your credit and fight fraud. While it may not change your budget, it can help you protect your finances and save money down the road.\nScammers prey on consumers during crises like the coronavirus pandemic. If someone contacts you by phone or email seeking personal data such as your credit card information, Social Security number or bank account number, don't provide it. If you think the source may be legitimate, hang up and call the listed phone number to find out if the call was authentic.\nTo catch potential financial fraud, be sure to regularly check your credit report for unusual activity. You can also freeze or lock your credit report to help prevent someone from fraudulently obtaining a credit card or loan in your name. If you freeze your credit, you'll need to lift the freeze before submitting any new loan or credit card applications since creditors can't access your credit file when you have a freeze on it. A credit freeze will not prevent identity theft, but it will help in the event that an identity thief attempts to use your stolen identity to apply for new credit.\nThose aren't the only ways to protect your credit. If you're worried about keeping up with your credit card bills and other debt payments, consider contacting a nonprofit credit counseling agency. A credit counselor can offer budget advice and can work with you on a debt management plan. This can provide the financial breathing room you need to make it through the coronavirus crisis or another emergency. END