Why a credit freeze isn’t the end of identity theft

Most U.S. data breach disclosures explain what information was leaked and any protective steps available to consumers.

At the federal level, the Federal Trade Commission advises that after a breach involving sensitive personal information, consumers may consider placing a credit freeze to help prevent new credit accounts from being opened in their name.

Many people place that credit freeze and assume they're protected. But a credit freeze is not a comprehensive block against identity theft.