Credit Report Freezes and Fraud Alerts in Canada: How to Protect Yourself

Mar 20, 202622 min read

Identity theft and credit fraud are growing problems in Canada, with millions of consumers affected each year. When a criminal uses your personal information to open fraudulent credit accounts, take out loans, or run up charges in your name, the damage to your credit report and financial life can take months or even years to repair. Fortunately, Canadian consumers have powerful tools at their disposal to prevent and respond to identity theft: credit report freezes and fraud alerts.

What Is a Credit Report Freeze?

A credit report freeze, also called a security freeze, is a tool that restricts access to your credit report. When a freeze is in place, lenders, creditors, and other third parties cannot pull your credit report to make lending decisions. Since most lenders will not approve a new credit application without first reviewing the applicant’s credit report, a freeze effectively prevents anyone—including identity thieves—from opening new credit accounts in your name.

A credit freeze does not affect your existing accounts. Your current credit cards, loans, and other accounts will continue to function normally. The freeze only prevents new inquiries from potential creditors you have not authorized.

Number of Canadians who reported being victims of fraud in 2024, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

What a Credit Freeze Does and Does Not Do

What a Credit Freeze DOES	What a Credit Freeze DOES NOT Do
Prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name	Does not affect your existing credit accounts
Blocks most hard inquiries from potential lenders	Does not prevent you from checking your own credit
Prevents unauthorized credit applications	Does not affect your credit score
Free to place and lift	Does not prevent fraud on existing accounts
Remains in place until you choose to remove it	Does not prevent all types of identity theft
Can be temporarily lifted when needed	Does not stop collection agencies from viewing your report

Good to Know

Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock: What Is the Difference?

Some credit bureaus and third-party services offer a “credit lock” in addition to or instead of a credit freeze. While both restrict access to your credit report, there are important differences. A credit freeze is governed by law and has specific legal protections. A credit lock is a proprietary product offered by the credit bureau or a third-party company, often as part of a paid subscription service. In Canada, the practical difference is minimal for most consumers—both prevent unauthorized access to your credit report. However, a credit freeze is always free, while a credit lock may be part of a paid service. If given the choice, a credit freeze provides the same core protection at no cost.

How to Place a Credit Freeze at TransUnion Canada

Contact TransUnion Directly

You can place a credit freeze with TransUnion Canada by calling their consumer relations line at 1-800-663-9980. You can also submit a request online through the TransUnion Canada website or by mail. TransUnion does not charge any fee for placing, temporarily lifting, or permanently removing a credit freeze.

Verify Your Identity

TransUnion will ask you to verify your identity before placing the freeze. You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number, current address and previous addresses, and copies of two pieces of government-issued identification if requesting by mail.

Receive Your PIN or Password

When the freeze is placed, TransUnion will provide you with a PIN (Personal Identification Number) or password. This PIN is essential—you will need it every time you want to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze. Store this PIN in a secure location (such as a password manager or a locked safe). If you lose your PIN, the process to reset it can be time-consuming.

Confirm the Freeze Is Active

After placing the freeze, request confirmation from TransUnion that it has been applied to your file. You can verify by trying to access your credit report through a third-party service—if the freeze is active, the service should not be able to pull your report.

How to Place a Credit Freeze at Equifax Canada

Since lenders may check your credit through either TransUnion or Equifax, you should place a freeze with both bureaus for complete protection. The process at Equifax is similar but involves contacting them separately.

Contact Equifax

Call Equifax Canada at 1-800-465-7166 or visit their website at equifax.ca to request a credit freeze. You can also submit a request by mail to: Equifax Canada, Consumer Relations, Box 190, Station Jean-Talon, Montreal, QC H1S 2Z2.

Provide Identity Verification

Similar to TransUnion, you will need to verify your identity with your full name, date of birth, SIN, and current and previous addresses. For mail requests, include copies of two pieces of government-issued ID.

Receive and Secure Your PIN

Equifax will also provide a PIN or security code for managing your freeze. Keep this separate from your TransUnion PIN but equally secure.

Confirm With Both Bureaus

Once you have placed freezes with both bureaus, monitor your credit through a service that checks both to ensure the freezes are active and no unauthorized activity is occurring.

Cost to place, lift, or remove a credit freeze at both TransUnion and Equifax in Canada

How to Temporarily Lift a Credit Freeze

When you need to apply for legitimate credit—such as a mortgage, car loan, credit card, or even a new cell phone contract—you will need to temporarily lift your credit freeze. This can be done for a specific creditor or for a specific period of time.

Options for Lifting Your Freeze

Lift Type	How It Works	Best For
Lift for a specific creditor	Only the named creditor can access your report	When you know exactly which lender will check your credit
Lift for a specific time period	Any creditor can access your report during the specified window	When you are rate shopping or do not know which bureau the lender uses
Permanent removal	The freeze is completely removed	When you no longer want the freeze in place

To lift the freeze, contact the credit bureau (TransUnion, Equifax, or both) and provide your PIN along with the details of the lift you want. Most lifts take effect within an hour when done online or by phone, though mail requests can take several days.

Pro Tip

Plan Ahead When Applying for Credit

If you know you will be applying for a mortgage or other major credit product, lift your freeze at both bureaus at least one to two business days before the application. This ensures there are no delays in processing. Ask the lender which bureau they check—some lenders check only TransUnion, some check only Equifax, and some check both. If you can determine which bureau the lender uses, you only need to lift the freeze at that bureau, keeping the other frozen for continued protection.

Credit Resources Team — Expert Note

I recommend that every Canadian adult place a credit freeze on their files at both TransUnion and Equifax, even if they have not been a victim of identity theft. The inconvenience of temporarily lifting the freeze when you need to apply for credit is minimal compared to the months of work required to clean up a credit report after identity theft. Think of it as locking your front door—you do it as a precaution, not because someone has already broken in.

What Is a Fraud Alert?

A fraud alert is a less restrictive alternative to a credit freeze. Instead of blocking access to your credit report entirely, a fraud alert places a notice on your file telling lenders to take extra verification steps before approving a credit application in your name. This might include calling you at a phone number you provide to confirm the application is legitimate.

Types of Fraud Alerts in Canada

Alert Type	Duration	Who Can Place It	What It Does
Initial fraud alert	Typically 6 years (TransUnion), varies by bureau	Any consumer	Flags your file for extra verification on new applications
Extended fraud alert	Up to 7 years	Victims of identity theft (with police report)	Stronger verification requirements, may require in-person verification
Active duty military alert	Duration of deployment + 1 year	Active duty military members	Protects credit while deployed and unable to monitor

In Canada, the fraud alert process differs somewhat from the United States. Canadian credit bureaus offer fraud alerts but the specific terms and durations may vary. Contact each bureau directly for the most current terms.

Total reported losses from fraud in Canada in 2024, with identity theft being a major contributor

Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert: Which Should You Choose?

Feature	Credit Freeze	Fraud Alert
Level of protection	High—blocks access to your report	Moderate—requests extra verification
Convenience	Less convenient—must lift for new applications	More convenient—no lifting required
Cost	Free	Free
Effectiveness against fraud	Very effective—prevents most new account fraud	Partially effective—depends on lender compliance
Impact on existing accounts	None	None
Impact on credit score	None	None
Must be placed at each bureau?	Yes (both TransUnion and Equifax separately)	Yes (both TransUnion and Equifax separately)
Best for	Maximum protection, proactive consumers	Consumers who apply for credit frequently

For maximum protection, a credit freeze is the stronger option. The fraud alert is a softer measure—it asks lenders to verify your identity, but does not prevent them from accessing your report or approving an application if they choose not to follow up on the alert. Some lenders may not have robust procedures for responding to fraud alerts, making the freeze a more reliable safeguard.

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In a world where data breaches expose millions of records every year, the question is no longer whether your personal information will be compromised—it is when. A credit freeze costs nothing and takes minutes to set up, yet it provides a powerful barrier against one of the most damaging forms of identity theft. Every Canadian should consider it a basic part of their financial hygiene routine.

What to Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft

If you discover that someone has used your personal information to commit credit fraud, time is of the essence. Here is a step-by-step action plan.

Place a Credit Freeze and Fraud Alert Immediately

Contact both TransUnion (1-800-663-9980) and Equifax (1-800-465-7166) to place a credit freeze and fraud alert on your files. This prevents the thief from opening any more accounts in your name while you deal with the aftermath.

Request Your Credit Reports from Both Bureaus

Get your complete credit report from TransUnion and Equifax. Review every account, inquiry, and personal information entry. Make a list of everything that is not yours or that you do not recognize. Pay special attention to new accounts you did not open, inquiries you did not authorize, and addresses you have never lived at.

File a Police Report

Contact your local police department and file a report about the identity theft. Get a copy of the police report or report number—you will need it for disputes with creditors and credit bureaus. Some police services allow you to file identity theft reports online.

Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Call the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or report online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. The CAFC maintains a national database of fraud reports and works with law enforcement agencies across Canada. While they may not investigate individual cases, your report contributes to identifying patterns and organized fraud rings.

Contact Creditors of Fraudulent Accounts

Call each creditor where a fraudulent account was opened in your name. Inform them that the account is the result of identity theft. Ask them to close or freeze the account immediately, remove any charges made by the identity thief, and send you written confirmation that the account was fraudulent and has been closed. Request that the creditor notify TransUnion and Equifax to update their records.

Dispute Fraudulent Items on Your Credit Reports

File formal disputes with both TransUnion and Equifax for every fraudulent entry on your credit reports. Include copies of your police report and any correspondence with creditors. The bureaus are required to investigate and remove items confirmed as fraudulent within 30 days.

Monitor Your Credit Closely for 12+ Months

After resolving the initial fraud, continue monitoring your credit reports closely for at least 12 months. Identity thieves sometimes wait months before using stolen information, so new fraudulent activity could appear even after you think the situation is resolved. Consider using a free credit monitoring service like Borrowell or Credit Karma for ongoing alerts.

Common Types of Identity Theft in Canada

Understanding the different types of identity theft can help you recognize threats and protect yourself more effectively.

Type	How It Works	Warning Signs	Prevention
New account fraud	Thief opens new credit accounts in your name	Unexpected credit cards or statements arriving, unfamiliar hard inquiries	Credit freeze
Account takeover	Thief gains access to your existing accounts	Unrecognized transactions, password change notifications	Strong passwords, two-factor authentication
Tax fraud	Thief files a tax return in your name to claim a refund	CRA rejection of your return, notice of assessment for a return you did not file	File your return early, use CRA My Account
Medical identity theft	Thief uses your health card to obtain medical services	Bills for services you did not receive, unfamiliar entries on your health records	Protect your health card, review provincial health statements
Synthetic identity fraud	Thief creates a new identity using some of your real information combined with fabricated details	May not be detected until a credit account defaults	Credit freeze, monitoring
SIM swap fraud	Thief convinces your phone carrier to transfer your number to their device	Sudden loss of phone service, two-factor codes not arriving	Set a PIN with your carrier, use authenticator apps instead of SMS

Average individual loss for Canadian identity theft victims who reported financial losses in 2024

Data Breaches: When Your Information Is Already Compromised

Major data breaches have exposed the personal information of millions of Canadians. Some of the most significant breaches affecting Canadians include the Desjardins breach (2019, affecting 9.7 million members), the Capital One breach (2019, affecting 6 million Canadian cardholders), the LifeLabs breach (2019, affecting 15 million Canadians), the CRA breach (2020, affecting 48,000+ accounts), and numerous smaller breaches at retailers, telecoms, and other organizations.

If your information was exposed in a data breach, you should place a credit freeze immediately, change passwords for all financial accounts, enable two-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it, monitor your credit reports regularly, be vigilant about phishing emails and calls that may use your leaked information, and consider using a dedicated email address for financial accounts.

Warning

The Danger of Complacency After a Data Breach

Many Canadians receive data breach notification letters and do nothing about them. This is dangerous because stolen personal information can be used months or even years after the initial breach. Criminal organizations often compile data from multiple breaches to build comprehensive identity profiles. Your SIN, date of birth, and name from one breach combined with your address from another breach gives criminals everything they need to impersonate you. The safest response to any data breach notification is to place a credit freeze immediately and monitor your credit for an extended period.

Protecting Your SIN: Canada’s Most Sensitive Identifier

Your Social Insurance Number is the single most valuable piece of information for identity thieves in Canada. With your SIN, a criminal can file fraudulent tax returns, open new credit accounts, obtain employment in your name, and access government benefits.

Rules for Protecting Your SIN

Never carry your SIN card in your wallet—memorize the number instead. Only provide your SIN to employers (for tax purposes), financial institutions (for tax reporting), and government agencies that require it by law. Do not provide your SIN to landlords, doctors, or other service providers who request it—they may want it for identification purposes, but it is not legally required and you can refuse. If an organization asks for your SIN, ask why they need it and what law requires you to provide it. If they cannot cite a specific legal requirement, do not give it. Shred any documents containing your SIN before disposing of them.

Credit Monitoring Services in Canada

Credit monitoring services track changes to your credit report and alert you when new activity is detected. They can be a useful supplement to credit freezes and fraud alerts.

Service	Cost	Bureau Monitored	Key Features
Borrowell	Free	TransUnion	Weekly score updates, credit report access, alerts
Credit Karma Canada	Free	TransUnion	Weekly score updates, credit report, financial product recommendations
TransUnion Complete	$19.95/month	TransUnion	Daily monitoring, identity theft insurance, dark web scanning
Equifax Complete	$19.95/month	Equifax	Daily monitoring, identity theft insurance, SIN monitoring
Equifax Complete Premier	$34.95/month	Both bureaus	Dual-bureau monitoring, identity theft insurance, credit lock

Pro Tip

Free vs. Paid Credit Monitoring

For most Canadians, free credit monitoring through Borrowell or Credit Karma provides sufficient protection when combined with a credit freeze at both bureaus. The paid services offer additional features like daily (rather than weekly) monitoring, identity theft insurance, and dark web scanning, but these are supplementary benefits. The credit freeze itself is the most effective protection, and it is completely free. Only consider paid monitoring if you have been a victim of identity theft and want the extra peace of mind and insurance coverage.

How Credit Freezes Affect Different Activities

Before placing a credit freeze, it is helpful to understand how it will affect various everyday activities.

Activity	Affected by Freeze?	What to Do
Using existing credit cards	No	Continue using normally
Making loan payments	No	Continue making payments normally
Checking your own credit report	No	Access through consumer disclosure or free services
Applying for a new credit card	Yes—will likely be denied	Temporarily lift freeze before applying
Applying for a mortgage	Yes—lender cannot check credit	Lift freeze at the bureau the lender uses
Renting an apartment	Possibly—if landlord runs a credit check	Lift freeze or provide landlord with a recent credit report copy
Getting a new cell phone plan	Yes—carriers typically check credit	Temporarily lift freeze
Opening a new bank account	Possibly—some banks check credit	Check with the bank and lift freeze if necessary
Employment background check	Possibly—some employers check credit	Lift freeze if the employer requires a credit check
Insurance applications	Possibly—some insurers use credit information	Lift freeze if required
Receiving pre-approved credit offers	Yes—you will stop receiving them	No action needed (many consumers see this as a benefit)

Approximate time required to place a credit freeze online or by phone at each Canadian credit bureau

Credit Freezes for Children and Dependents

Child identity theft is a growing problem in Canada. Because children do not typically apply for credit, fraudulent accounts opened in a child’s name can go undetected for years—often until the child turns 18 and applies for their first credit product. At that point, they may discover that their credit has been destroyed before they even started building it.

In Canada, placing a credit freeze for a minor is more complex than for an adult, because minors typically do not have existing credit files. However, if you suspect that your child’s identity has been compromised—for example, if they receive pre-approved credit offers or collection calls—you should contact both TransUnion and Equifax to inquire about whether a credit file exists in your child’s name and request a freeze. You will need to provide proof of your identity, your child’s identity (birth certificate), and your relationship to the child (proof of guardianship).

PIPEDA and Your Credit Report Rights

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is federal legislation that governs how private-sector organizations—including credit bureaus—collect, use, and disclose personal information. Under PIPEDA, you have the right to access your personal information held by credit bureaus, challenge the accuracy of that information, know who has accessed your credit report, consent to (or refuse) the collection and use of your information, and file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner if your rights are violated.

Provincial privacy legislation may also apply, depending on your province. For example, Quebec has its own private sector privacy law (Law 25 / Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector) that provides additional protections for Quebec residents.

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Building a Comprehensive Identity Protection Strategy

Credit freezes and fraud alerts are important tools, but they are most effective as part of a comprehensive identity protection strategy. Here are additional steps you should take to protect your identity.

Digital Security

Use unique, strong passwords for every financial account. Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it—preferably using an authenticator app rather than SMS. Be cautious about phishing emails and text messages that try to trick you into revealing personal information. Keep your devices and software updated to protect against security vulnerabilities. Use a VPN when accessing financial accounts on public Wi-Fi networks.

Physical Security

Shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them. Collect your mail daily or use a locked mailbox. Do not carry your SIN card, passport, or birth certificate in your wallet. Be cautious about who has access to your personal documents at home.

Financial Monitoring

Review your bank and credit card statements at least monthly for unauthorized transactions. Set up transaction alerts on all financial accounts. Check your credit reports from both bureaus at least annually. Monitor your CRA My Account for unauthorized tax filings or changes.

What to Do If Your Credit Freeze Does Not Seem to Be Working

In rare cases, you may discover that a new account was opened in your name despite having a credit freeze in place. This can happen if the fraudulent account was opened with a lender that does not check credit reports, the account was opened at a lender that uses a credit bureau where you do not have a freeze, the freeze was not properly applied due to a technical error, or the account was opened using a variation of your name that did not match the frozen file.

If this happens, contact both credit bureaus immediately to verify your freeze is active and properly applied. Dispute the fraudulent account with both the creditor and the credit bureaus. File a police report and report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Document everything—dates, times, names of representatives you speak with, and reference numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts

No. A credit freeze has absolutely no impact on your credit score. Your score continues to be calculated normally based on the information in your credit report. The freeze simply prevents new inquiries from potential creditors—it does not change any of the underlying data used to calculate your score.

A credit freeze remains in place until you choose to remove it. There is no expiration date. You can keep your freeze in place indefinitely and only lift it temporarily when you need to apply for new credit. This is different from fraud alerts, which may have specific durations.

Yes. A credit freeze only affects new credit applications. Your existing credit cards, loans, lines of credit, and other accounts are completely unaffected. You can continue to use them, make payments, and manage them as you normally would.

Yes, for complete protection you should place a freeze at both TransUnion and Equifax. Lenders may check your credit through either bureau, so leaving one unfrozen creates a gap in your protection. The process must be completed separately with each bureau—freezing with one does not automatically freeze the other.

Online or phone requests to lift a credit freeze are typically processed within one hour, though some may take up to one business day. Mail requests take longer—typically 3 to 5 business days. If you are planning to apply for credit, lift your freeze at least 1 to 2 business days in advance to avoid delays in your application.

No. Both TransUnion and Equifax offer credit freezes completely free of charge to Canadian consumers. There is no fee to place, temporarily lift, or permanently remove a credit freeze. This applies regardless of your province or territory.

A credit freeze does not cancel or close any of your credit accounts. It simply restricts access to your credit report for new inquiries. Your existing accounts remain open and active. Cancelling credit involves actually closing specific credit accounts, which can affect your credit score by reducing your available credit and potentially shortening your credit history. A credit freeze is a security measure; cancelling credit is a financial decision.

It depends. If the employer’s background check includes a credit report review, the freeze may prevent them from accessing your report. In this case, you would need to temporarily lift the freeze for the employer’s background check provider. Some employers will ask you to provide a copy of your credit report directly, which you can do without lifting the freeze. If you are job hunting, be prepared to manage your freeze accordingly.

Provincial Resources for Identity Theft Victims

Province	Consumer Protection Office	Phone Number
Ontario	Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery	1-800-889-9768
British Columbia	Consumer Protection BC	1-888-564-9963
Alberta	Service Alberta	1-877-427-4088
Quebec	Office de la protection du consommateur	1-888-672-2556
Manitoba	Manitoba Consumer Protection Office	1-800-782-0067
Saskatchewan	Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority	1-877-880-5550
Nova Scotia	Service Nova Scotia	1-800-670-4357
New Brunswick	Financial and Consumer Services Commission	1-866-933-2222
PEI	Consumer, Corporate and Insurance Division	1-800-658-1799
Newfoundland and Labrador	Service NL, Consumer Affairs Division	1-877-968-2600

Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself Before It Is Too Late

Identity theft is not a matter of if—it is a matter of when. With billions of personal records exposed in data breaches around the world, it is likely that some of your personal information is already available to criminals. The good news is that a credit freeze is one of the most effective preventive measures available, and it costs absolutely nothing.

Take 15 minutes today to place a credit freeze at both TransUnion and Equifax. Store your PINs securely. Sign up for free credit monitoring through Borrowell or Credit Karma. Review your credit reports for any suspicious activity. And implement the broader identity protection strategies outlined in this guide.

If you are already dealing with the aftermath of identity theft, remember that recovery is possible. It takes time and persistence, but by following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide—placing freezes, filing police reports, disputing fraudulent accounts, and monitoring your credit—you can restore your credit report and protect yourself against future attacks.

Your credit report is your financial identity. Protecting it is not just smart—it is essential. Do not wait for a breach notification or a mysterious account on your credit report to spur you into action. The time to protect yourself is now.

Credit Report Freezes and Fraud Alerts in Canada: How to Protect Yourself