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One way to minimize risk is to put a security freeze on one's credit report.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faq...

Just tried to implement a freeze on Equifax. They couldn't verify my identity. Now I have to send a letter. Found a sample - https://media.dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/Z-Sample-Security...

Still looking for other samples but what is incredible is that they want me to send them a copy of my Social Security Card.

They have to find a better solution to verifying identities.

You can't preempt it.

You could destroy your credit yourself, that should make it less likely.

It isn't the credit card that is in your possession that's the problem, it's the fraudulent loans, credit cards, etc. that the scammer receives directly from various banks, etc.

If you destroy your credit preemptively it would be less likely somebody else can get new loans with your identity. I would hardly call that a good solution...

1. You can't