How to Freeze Your Credit If You’re a Victim of Domestic Abuse

Financial abuse is a devastating yet often overlooked form of domestic violence. Abusers may exploit their victim’s financial stability by opening fraudulent accounts, taking out loans, or damaging credit scores—leaving long-term consequences even after escaping the relationship. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself is by freezing your credit. This guide walks you through the process, explains why it’s critical, and offers additional safety measures for survivors.

Understanding Financial Abuse in Domestic Violence

Financial abuse is a tactic used by abusers to maintain control. It can include:

• Unauthorized credit card use – Opening accounts in the victim’s name.
• Coerced debt – Forcing the victim to take out loans.
• Withholding access to money – Preventing the victim from working or accessing bank accounts.

A credit freeze is a powerful tool to prevent new accounts from being opened without your consent.

What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze (or security freeze) restricts access to your credit report, making it nearly impossible for anyone—including you—to open new credit lines unless the freeze is temporarily lifted. Unlike a fraud alert, which simply flags your report for extra scrutiny, a freeze blocks access entirely.

Why Freezing Credit Matters for Abuse Survivors

1. Prevents Identity Theft – Abusers often have access to personal information (Social Security numbers, birthdates, etc.).
2. Stops Coerced Debt – Freezing credit halts new loans or credit cards under your name.
3. Long-Term Protection – Even after leaving the relationship, financial sabotage can persist.

Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Your Credit

You’ll need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

1. Gather Necessary Information

Before starting, ensure you have:
- Your full name, address, and Social Security number.
- A government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement).

2. Freeze Your Credit with Each Bureau

Equifax

• Online: Visit Equifax’s freeze page and follow the prompts.
• Phone: Call 1-800-349-9960.
• Mail: Send a request to Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348.

Experian

• Online: Go to Experian’s freeze center.
• Phone: Dial 1-888-397-3742.
• Mail: Send a request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.

TransUnion

• Online: Use TransUnion’s credit freeze portal.
• Phone: Call 1-888-909-8872.
• Mail: Send a request to TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094.

3. Set Up a PIN or Password

Each bureau will provide a unique PIN or password to lift the freeze later. Store these securely—preferably in a password manager or with a trusted advocate.

4. Temporarily Lift the Freeze When Needed

If you need to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze:
- Online: Log in to each bureau’s portal.
- Phone: Call the bureau’s freeze line.
- Specify the duration (e.g., 24 hours or a specific date range).

Additional Safety Measures for Financial Protection

Monitor Your Credit Reports

• Use AnnualCreditReport.com to check reports from all three bureaus weekly (a temporary pandemic-era policy).
• Sign up for free credit monitoring services like Credit Karma or IdentityForce.

Secure Your Bank Accounts

• Open a new account at a different bank if your abuser has access.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all financial apps.

Legal Protections

• File a police report if fraud has occurred.
• Contact a domestic violence advocate for help navigating legal and financial resources.

Overcoming Challenges

Fear of Retaliation

If you’re still in the relationship, freezing credit may alert the abuser. Consider:
- Using a trusted friend’s computer or phone to place the freeze.
- Clearing browser history or using incognito mode.

Lack of Documentation

If your abuser controls your IDs, reach out to:
- Local domestic violence shelters for assistance.
- Legal aid organizations that help survivors restore documents.

Resources for Survivors

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org.
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV): ncadv.org.
• Financial Empowerment Center (for free financial counseling): joinfee.org.

Financial freedom is a critical step toward independence. By freezing your credit, you take back control—one less weapon in an abuser’s arsenal.