 TITLE: When Should You Lock Your Credit? CONTENT: Difference Between a Credit Lock, a Credit Freeze and a Fraud Alert\n-------------------------------------------------------------------\nCredit freezes and credit locks both limit others from viewing your credit without your permission. Fraud alerts ask creditors to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name. If a creditor can't review your reports or verify your identity, it won't be able to extend a new credit card or loan. So, if someone applies for an account in your name while one of the three following measures are in place, they shouldn't be able to get approved.\nHaving a fraud alert on your credit report will not prevent you from being able to open a new account once you provide proof of your identity. With a freeze or lock, you must first remove the freeze or unlock your file before you can apply.\nWhile the benefits of a credit lock and a credit freeze are similar, how they work differs significantly. Fraud alerts are a convenient option if you have reason to believe you're a fraud victim. Here's an overview: END