[ReidZB]

You can use a credit freeze: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faq...

> Also known as a security freeze, this tool lets you restrict access to your credit report, which in turn makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. That’s because most creditors need to see your credit report before they approve a new account. If they can’t see your file, they may not extend the credit.

I've never done this, but it sounds effective - although if you want to open another line of credit, you'll have to temporarily suspend the freeze.

[jjeaff]

It's not really effective. It can help, but a surprisingly large number of businesses will actually never actually run your credit. They will just keep your information on file and then when the scammer doesn't pay the loan, they start reporting the delinquency to the credit reporting agencies. And in that case, the freeze doesn't apply.

[itodd]

You also have to pay Equifax $10 to do this. Insane, right?

[dublinben]

That sounds like extortion to me. Equifax are running a protection racket.