How to Freeze Your Credit Report: A Smart Step in Protecting Yourself

Identity theft continues to rise, and with mortgage transactions involving large sums of money and sensitive data, it’s never been more important to protect your credit. Freezing your credit report is a proactive measure that limits access to your credit file, making it difficult for fraudsters to open new accounts in your name.

At SFMC Home Lending, we encourage borrowers to understand when and how to freeze and unfreeze their credit to safeguard their financial future, especially during the home loan process.

“Freezing your credit is one of the most effective tools consumers have against identity theft,” says Eva Velasquez, President and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC).

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, restricts access to your credit report. This prevents lenders and other entities from viewing your credit file to approve new credit applications—stopping potential identity thieves in their tracks.

The best part? It’s free and doesn’t impact your credit score.

To freeze your credit, you must contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually:

• Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
• Experian: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
• TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Each bureau will ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, date of birth, and addresses. Once submitted, you’ll receive a PIN or password, which you’ll need to lift or remove the freeze later.

Freezing your credit is ideal when:

• You are not actively applying for new credit
• You suspect your identity may have been compromised
• You want to prevent unauthorized credit activity

For most people, the best time to freeze credit is immediately after securing a mortgage. It’s important to unfreeze your credit before starting the pre-qualification and application process.  Your Loan Officer can advise one when to freeze your credit again.

Timing is everything. Here’s how to manage your freeze in tandem with your mortgage journey:

Before Applying
Unfreeze your credit before pre-approval. Lenders like SFMC Home Lending need access to your credit report to assess your qualifications. If your credit is frozen, we won’t be able to complete your application.

During Underwriting
Keep your credit unfrozen through underwriting unless directed otherwise by your loan officer. Additional checks may occur, and freezing prematurely could delay your loan process.

After Closing
Once your loan closes and funds, check with your loan officer about freezing your credit again to lock in protection. This is especially critical post-closing, when fraudsters may target new homeowners who recently submitted large volumes of personal information.

To unfreeze, revisit the same credit bureau websites and use your unique PIN or password. You can choose to lift the freeze temporarily (for a lender or specific date range) or remove it entirely.

Some services, like TransUnion and Experian, also offer mobile apps to manage freezes quickly and conveniently.

A credit freeze is not just for identity theft victims. It’s a proactive measure for any consumer who wants greater control over their financial identity—especially during high-stakes transactions like buying a home.

If you’re unsure whether to freeze or unfreeze your credit during your homebuying journey, consult with your SFMC Home Lending loan officer. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way.