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To protect your credit from fraud, you've got two solid options, a credit freeze or a credit lock
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They may sound similar, but they differ in important ways. A credit freeze is usually free and offers strong legal protection
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while a credit lock may come with a fee but can conveniently be turned on and off through an app
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The important thing that they both do is prevent new, unauthorized credit accounts from being opened in your name
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and neither choice affects your credit score. If you apply for credit often, a credit lock is handy
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If not, go for a credit freeze for better legal safety. Just keep in mind, you'll need to unlock or unfreeze your credit
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with each bureau before applying for new credit. And whether you go with a lock or a freeze
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now you know you're adding a strong layer of defense against identity theft
