Credit Freezes for Children

Identity thieves use personal and financial information — including Social Security numbers, birth dates, and more — to fraudulently apply for credit cards, loans, and government benefits, and to open financial and utility accounts. This kind of fraudulent activity can show up in an adult’s credit report. However, minors under the age of 18 typically do not have credit reports, and accordingly, their information can be more susceptible to theft.

A security freeze is one tool to protect a minor’s identity, prevent others from taking out credit in the minor’s name, and restrict access to their credit report. When you place the security freeze, a credit report is created for the child / minor and then frozen. Contact all three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — and follow their policies to request a credit freeze. Children as young as 14 may be permitted to request a freeze themselves.

To request a security freeze on behalf of a minor, you’ll need to provide documentation to prove you are their parent or guardian. Each of the three credit bureaus have slightly different requirements for placing or managing a freeze, but in general, be prepared to provide the following documents:

• Your government-issued ID (usually a driver’s license)

• Your birth certificate

• Your child’s birth certificate or other document showing you have the authority to act on the child’s behalf (foster care certification, power of attorney, or court order)

• Your Social Security card

• The child’s Social Security card

• A utility bill, insurance document, or financial statement with your name and address on it

• Watch the mail: If a child receives bills, credit card offers, or correspondence from a collection agency in their name, this could mean their personal information has been compromised.

• Review health insurance claims: If something is inaccurate, follow up with your provider.

• Keep documents locked away: Protect birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other forms containing personal information.

• Caution your children about what they share on social media.

Note: This page includes information from the Equifax article, Freezing Your Child's Credit Report.