16 May Someone tried to open credit in our name. What should we do?

Q. My credit and my husband’s credit is currently frozen. My husband received a letter in the mail stating that his request for a credit card was not approved because they were unable to verify credit references. He didn’t apply for the card. Is there any action we should take?
— Nervous

A. It’s always scary when you realize someone may have been trying to get credit in your name.

It’s great that you and your husband have a freeze on your credit reports.

The freeze is the most efficient way to keep lenders from gaining access to your credit report, thus not allowing them to open new credit accounts, said Betty Thomas, a chartered financial consultant and certified financial planner with Peapack Private Wealth Management in Summit

She said there is no additional action that needs to be taken.

The credit freeze will remain on file with the credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, until removed, she said.

“The letter denying the credit card is a great reason to continue the freeze at the credit bureaus to protect your credit and identity,” she said. “However, do keep in mind that a credit freeze will not stop identity thieves from using your existing accounts, so you should still monitor credit card and bank statements for fraudulent charges.”

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This story was originally published on May 16, 2023.

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