Consumer Tools & Guides
Practical guides, official links, and tools to help you protect your data, exercise your rights, and recover from identity theft or credit reporting errors.
Step-by-Step Guides
Step-by-step instructions for placing a security freeze with all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Includes phone numbers, online portals, and mail addresses. A freeze is free and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
Template letters, online submission guides, and CFPB dispute filing instructions. Know your FCRA rights and the bureaus' investigation obligations. Always keep copies and delivery records of everything you send.
How to place initial and extended fraud alerts, the difference between freezes and alerts, and how to set up active credit monitoring. One call to any bureau triggers alerts at all three.
Plain-language overview of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, including accuracy requirements, dispute timelines, enforcement mechanisms, and what bureaus are obligated to do when you file.
FTC-recommended steps for identity theft victims, including IdentityTheft.gov reporting, law enforcement filing, account recovery procedures, and ongoing monitoring.
What to do immediately after learning your data has been compromised: freeze credit, set fraud alerts, check accounts, file complaints, and establish ongoing monitoring.
Official External Links
Submit a complaint directly to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about credit reporting issues.
The only federally authorized source for free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
FTC's official identity theft reporting and recovery tool. Creates a personalized recovery plan.
Federal Trade Commission resources on credit, identity theft, and consumer protection.
Direct link to place or manage a credit freeze with Equifax specifically.
Share your experience with credit reporting errors or data breaches. Submissions are moderated and privacy-protected.