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An older adult can freeze their credit for free at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, or place a free initial fraud alert by contacting just one bureau. A freeze is usually the stronger choice when they do not expect to apply for credit; an alert asks lenders to verify identity but does not block access to the credit report. The older adult should make the decision whenever possible. Age alone does not give a relative authority to act on their behalf.
Choose a credit freeze, a fraud alert, or both
A credit freeze restricts access to a credit report, which can make it harder for someone to open a new account in the person’s name. A fraud alert leaves the report accessible but asks businesses to verify the person’s identity before extending new credit. The Federal Trade Commission explains the options in Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts (August 2025).
| Option | What it does | How to request it | Duration and eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit freeze | Restricts access to the credit report to help prevent new accounts. It does not stop charges or misuse on existing accounts. | Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion individually. | Free; remains until lifted. Anyone may request one, for any reason. |
| Initial fraud alert | Asks businesses to verify identity before opening new credit; it does not block report access. | Contact one of the three bureaus. That bureau must notify the other two. | Free; lasts one year and may be renewed. Available to someone who is, or suspects they may be, affected by identity theft. |
| Extended fraud alert | Asks businesses to verify identity and removes the consumer from unsolicited credit and insurance offer marketing lists for five years, unless the consumer asks otherwise. | Contact one bureau. | Free; lasts seven years and may be renewed. Requires an FTC identity theft report or police report. |
| Active duty alert | Asks businesses to verify identity and affects unsolicited credit and insurance offer marketing lists. | Contact one bureau. That bureau must notify the other two. | Free; lasts one year, with renewal available for the length of deployment. This option is for servicemembers, not specific to older adults. |
A freeze and an alert can be in place at the same time. For an older adult who does not anticipate applying for credit, a freeze is often the straightforward starting point; an initial alert may suit someone who wants the added verification request without blocking report access.
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A freeze is not a single nationwide request: place it separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Use the bureaus’ official channels. The Federal Trade Commission’s freeze and alert guide links to the process and explains that a freeze is free and does not affect a credit score.
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- Open Equifax’s official credit-report services page at Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services, or call 800-685-1111.
- Open Experian’s official help page at Experian.com/help, or call 888-397-3742.
- Open TransUnion’s official credit-help page at TransUnion.com/credit-help, or call 888-909-8872.
- Follow each bureau’s current instructions to place the freeze, and keep the confirmation or account details needed to manage it. Do not send Social Security numbers, identity documents, or legal papers to an unofficial service.
A freeze stays in place until the consumer lifts it. If they later apply for credit, they can temporarily lift the freeze at the bureau the lender will check, if known, then freeze the report again afterward. Contact bureau channels directly for current lifting instructions and timing.
Set up an initial fraud alert through one bureau
To place an initial alert, the older adult needs to contact only one bureau; that bureau is required to notify the other two. Use the official contact options listed above or the FTC’s Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts guide. The initial alert is free, lasts one year, and can be renewed.
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The alert asks businesses to take reasonable steps to confirm identity before opening new credit. It is not a freeze: businesses can still access the report, and it does not prevent misuse of existing accounts.
Help an older adult without assuming authority
Whenever possible, let the older adult choose the protection and make the request, with a trusted helper assisting with the website or call if wanted. A relative does not automatically have authority to place a freeze or alert on another adult’s behalf. The FTC’s credit freeze FAQs describe a separate process for a qualifying protected consumer—such as an adult who is incapacitated or has an appointed guardian or conservator. The person acting for them must provide proof of authority and identity; examples include a court order naming a guardian or conservator, or a valid power of attorney.
Requirements and submission methods may differ by bureau. Check the relevant bureau’s official instructions before sending documents, and do not share sensitive paperwork through an unofficial service. The FTC’s caregiver guidance also identifies the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection complaint channel if a bureau does not properly place a freeze.
If identity theft is suspected or has happened
A freeze or alert is focused on new credit; neither prevents someone from using an existing bank, credit-card, or insurance account. If the older adult sees suspicious activity or believes their identity has been stolen, use the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov to get a personalized recovery plan, contact companies where fraud occurred, and review credit reports and financial statements for unfamiliar accounts or transactions.
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Check bureau contact details before acting
Phone numbers and web paths can change. The FTC’s credit bureau contact guide lists the following routes; verify them on the FTC or bureau site when you are ready to act.
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- Equifax: Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services; 800-685-1111.
- Experian: Experian.com/help; 888-397-3742.
- TransUnion: TransUnion.com/credit-help; 888-909-8872.
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