A credit freeze is a process that allows consumers to control how the credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

The following description comes from TrustedID, Inc. a company that allows your to easily freeze credit reports online:

"When you put a credit freeze on your accounts with the three major credit bureaus, no new credit can be issued in your name. It's the credit equivalent of putting your account in a safe-deposit box to which only you have access. Your credit report is off limits to potential lenders, insurers, cell phone companies, etc. When they can't see your credit report they aren't going to issue new credit, or open a new account, in your name. It's that simple.

A credit freeze has no time limit. It will stay in effect until you chose to unlock it. You can remove it either temporarily or permanently, whenever you want. For example, when you want to apply for a new credit card, a mortgage, or a loan, you can lift the credit freeze for a specific period of time. After the lender or business has checked your credit report, it is immediately frozen again."

Today, you can only freeze your credit reports if you live in one of about two dozen states. TrustedID maintains a complete list here: List of states where you can freeze your credit reports.