To freeze or thaw your files by phone, you can reach the bureaus at: Equifax, 800-685-1111; TransUnion, 888-909-8872; Experian, 888-397-3742. Don't try to freeze your files online. It's frustrating even for the most tech-savvy folks. You are listening for the way to freeze your credit file. Don't be persuaded to simply put a fraud alert on your file. Fraud alerts are practically worthless. If you're freezing your file for the first time at TransUnion, you need to create your own six-digit PIN. I'd recommend writing that down ahead of time so you're not making something up on the fly that is easy to guess or that you might forget. It's easy to freeze your files if you're paying attention to the phone prompts. Don't try to multitask. The bureaus don't make it obvious what you need to do. Press anything that talks about credit freezes or thaws or fraud alerts or security. You just have to pay attention and you'll get there. I promise.