October 30, 2025

Greetings!

If you have ever worried about someone opening a credit card or loan in your name, you are not alone. Identity theft is more common than ever, and it can take months or even years to sort out once it happens. But there is one simple step that can stop fraudsters before they even start.

Freezing your credit is one of the strongest defenses available. Experts say it keeps criminals from pretending to be you and applying for accounts you never asked for. And the best part is that it is free.

Be Well,
Anisa

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Freeze Your Credit

A credit freeze blocks lenders from accessing your credit report. Since almost all credit accounts require a credit check before approval, thieves hit a dead end. It is like locking the front door on your financial life.

Why It Is A Smart Move

It is free
No fees with any of the major credit bureaus. You can freeze and unfreeze whenever you need to.

You stay in control
Buying a car or opening a new card? Just lift the freeze for a short time and refreeze once it is done.

It helps prevent identity theft
Fraudsters cannot open accounts if a lender cannot verify your credit. You shut them down before any damage is done.

It is easy and fast
You can set it up online with each bureau. You will receive a PIN or password to manage your freeze in the future.

Here are the credit bureaus where you can place a freeze:
Equifax
Experian
TransUnion

PRO TIP: After signing up for the free account, log off and log back on to get to the Freeze area. They will try to sell you on other services, you do not need them to freeze your credit.

In Closing...

Think of a credit freeze as free insurance. It costs you nothing, takes only a few minutes, and gives you peace of mind. Protect yourself now so you do not pay for someone else's mistakes later.

Did You Know?

According to industry reports, over one million Americans are hit by identity theft every year. A credit freeze cannot stop all fraud, but it stops the most expensive kind: new accounts opened in your name.

Here's an inexpensive product that helps curb identity theft: ID ROLLER

20% of all Identity Thefts happen when thieves go through your trash to get your data, like bank account info, credit card info, and more. Hence the name Trash Surfing. It has never been easier or more affordable to protect yourself.
Get your ID ROLLER for a Thrifty Tips

You Said It, We Saved It

From the 10/21 edition
"I switched to an online bank after seeing $14 in fees every month. Now I earn interest instead of paying it." – Paul R.

"My bank charged $3 per statement until I went paperless. I never looked back." – Leslie T.

"I had no idea I was paying inactivity fees on an old savings account. Closing it saved me $60 a year." – Janet M.

Reply back to me with any comments on today's or past issues.

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