New federal law allows you to freeze your credit reports for free

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced that Americans nationwide can now freeze their credit reports for free. More information about credit freezes is at the FTC credit freeze FAQ page.  The FTC also requires that credit reporting agencies give consumers a free credit report once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com

You may also set up a security freeze at ChexSystems to prevent the opening of unauthorized bank accounts.  The National Consumer Telecom and Utilities Exchange (NCTUE) will allow you to set up a security freeze as well.  Innovis is another credit agency that also allows freezes.