Lock your credit reports and call your existing open ended credit institutions to request whatever additional security mechanisms they offer. Some offer specifi

Lock your credit reports and call your existing open ended credit institutions to request whatever additional security mechanisms they offer. Some offer specific code words, etc. Locking a credit report is different than freezing. So be sure your choice matches the terminology used by each bureau and your situation. Also request an identity theft PIN from the IRS (assuming you are in the US). You may also sign up for one of the credit monitoring services through one of the bureaus that will send you notices about things affecting your identity. React quickly to any odd information you receive about your identity and keep a detailed log about the events, who you talk to, and the nature of conversations. You should also check to ensure that your identity hasn’t been used in any criminal matters. I’m not experienced in this area, so more research is warranted here. While I understand your concerns about the credit bureaus, and agree, they are really the central point for collecting and utilizing personal data. Locking those and monitoring your records will go a long way towards prevention and early detection.