Did someone steal your identity? Or are you looking for ways to help protect yourself from identity theft? A great place to start is freezing your credit. Here’s what to know.

A credit freeze is something you can do anytime, for any reason. But it’s especially helpful if you’re dealing with identity theft or a lost wallet, or data breach. While a freeze is in place, nobody can open a new credit account in your name.

A freeze

• is free to place or lift — and doesn’t affect your  credit score
• is available to anyone, for any reason
• lasts until you lift it

To place a credit freeze, contact all three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - and when you need to lift the freeze - to do things like get a credit card or buy a car - you only need to contact the credit bureau a lender will use to check your credit. When you’re done, you can freeze it again.

Along with a credit freeze, you can also get an initial fraud alert if you are — or suspect you may be — affected by identity theft. Initial fraud alerts (also free) make lenders verify your identity before they grant new credit in your name. There are also two other types of alerts - extended fraud alerts and active duty alerts (both are also free), and which you choose depends on your situation and needs. Read Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert: What's Right for Your Credit Report? to learn more.

If your identity was stolen, also make sure you report it at  IdentityTheft.gov, where you’ll get a free recovery plan with next steps.