Preventing CC fraud and inquiries

[Skye12329]

So 2 questions. First one is that I'm nervous about card fraud on the cards I don't use. But I would prefer not to close them due AAOA purposes. My question is if I dont use those cards how hard is fraud to occur? I have had it happen on my Elan card but got it fixed. So is it common on inactive cards or am I just overreacting?

Second question. If I freeze my reports does it prevent HPs on applying for anything such as utilities. Because I hate how Comcast says no HP will be done and sure enough there will be a HP. So my question is will freezing reports prevent that? I'm not trying to elude any CC companies. But want to make sure utility companies such as Comcast cant when 3 reps say there won't be one. Also just to make sure can I still get HP if requesting a CLI e.g Chase if frozen or would I need to unfreeze and refreeze?

[Anonymous]

At least in terms of your first question about fraud, I think there is a lot more potential for fraud on cards that you actively use.  The more exposure, the more opportunities for someone to get your info.  Whether you use the cards or not I would certainly do periodic nonitoring of them.