After having our car broken into, checkbook stolen and unauthorized checks written against our account, we decided it would be a good idea to lock down our credit accounts. We chose to "freeze" our accounts as opposed to "lock"ing them. Freezing and unfreezing the accounts is free, easy to do and in most cases can be handled online in a matter of minutes. Locking accounts is free for some but requires monthly charges for others.
How to Freeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax and TransUnion