What can consumers do to protect their credit reports in New Jersey?

Freezing credit reports is a highly effective way for consumers to protect themselves against identity theft and unauthorized access to their credit information. When a credit report is frozen, lenders are unable to access the report unless the consumer specifically lifts the freeze. This helps prevent anyone from opening new accounts in the consumer's name, as most lending decisions rely on credit report information.

In the context of protecting credit reports, it is important to note the benefits of freezing the report versus other options. While regularly changing passwords and enrolling in credit monitoring services can help in various scenarios, they do not provide the same level of security against new account fraud, as a freeze does. Limiting the use of credit cards can reduce credit utilization but doesn't directly impact the potential misuse of a credit report.

Therefore, freezing credit reports stands out as the most robust and proactive measure for safeguarding one's credit profile in New Jersey.