Privacy | The Work Number

Why You Should Consider Freezing Your Equifax Work Number Data

Freezing your Equifax Work Number data can provide several benefits and help protect your personal information. Here are some reasons why you might consider taking this action:

1. Identity Theft Prevention

Freezing your Equifax Work Number data adds an extra layer of security against identity theft. By doing so, you restrict access to your employment and income information, making it more difficult for potential identity thieves to misuse your data.

Resource: FTC: How to Keep Your Personal Information Secure

Resource: Equifax Work Number Overview

2. Unauthorized Access Prevention

Freezing your data prevents unauthorized third parties—such as lenders, creditors, or potential employers—from accessing your employment and income details without your consent. This helps protect your privacy and prevents potentially damaging inquiries.

Resource: Equifax Privacy and Security Resources

3. Enhanced Control Over Your Data

By freezing your Work Number data, you control who can access your employment information. This user-initiated permission model gives you more autonomy over sensitive personal data.

Resource: Equifax: The Work Number – Employee Rights

4. Minimize Unwanted Solicitations

The Work Number database can be used by companies to pre-screen candidates or consumers for products or services. By freezing access, you reduce your exposure to unsolicited credit offers or employment verification requests.

Resource: National Consumer Law Center: Employment and Income Data Privacy

5. Peace of Mind

Taking proactive steps like freezing your Work Number data provides peace of mind, knowing you’re protecting your personal and financial identity. With the rise in data breaches and unauthorized disclosures, consumers are encouraged to take defensive actions.

Resource: Identity Theft Resource Center: Employer Data Risks

Note: Freezing your Work Number data is not the same as a credit freeze. It’s a specific action related to employment and income data held by Equifax’s subsidiary. You can start the process by visiting:

https://employees.theworknumber.com

Remember, freezing your Equifax Work Number data is a personal decision, and you should consider your individual circumstances and preferences before taking any action. It’s always a good idea to review the specific terms and conditions associated with freezing your data and understand the potential implications.