Credit Security Guide (Parents)

Must-dos

Set up monitoring apps

Use these tools as the parent to check for files in your child's name and set protections. Do this before freezing.

• Experian – Child Identity Theft Protection: https://www.experian.com/help/minor-request.html
  • Parents (under 16): Check if a credit file exists; add a fraud alert; place/remove a child security freeze.
  • Ages 16–17: Teen can (and should) place/remove their own freeze or alert; parents can still initiate checks.
• TransUnion – Child Identity Theft Inquiry: https://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/child-identity-theft-inquiry-form
  • Parents (under 16): Ask TU to look for any file in your child's SSN; proceed to a protected-consumer (child) freeze.
  • Ages 16–17: Teen can request removal of the freeze themselves; otherwise parent manages.
• Equifax – Request Child's Credit Report / Freeze Info: https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/request-child-credit-report/
  • Parents (under 16): Request by mail; use Equifax's minor-freeze packet to place a child freeze.
  • Ages 16–17: Teen can request their own freeze by phone/mail; no online account until 18.
• Bookmark AnnualCreditReport.com: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/requestingReportsInSpecialSituations.action
  • Ages 13–17: Teen (or parent) can order online.
  • Under 13: Request by mail with documentation.
• Note on apps marketed to adults:
  • Credit Karma: No accounts for under 18; do not create one in a child's name.
  • Experian consumer app: Use the minor request portal above for children; the app is for the adult's own file.

Secure Social Security account

• “my Social Security” accounts are 18+ only. You cannot create one for a child.
• Do instead:
  • Lock away the SSN card and birth certificate.
  • Decline to share your child's SSN unless legally required; ask why it's needed and how it's stored.
  • If you suspect misuse, start with the bureau checks and freezes below, then file at IdentityTheft.gov.

Freeze all credit reports

Place child/protected-consumer freezes at all four bureaus. Do this even if no file exists; they will create and lock one.

• Experian: https://www.experian.com/help/minor-request.html
  • Under 16: Parent places/removes a child freeze.
  • Ages 16–17: Teen can (and should) place/remove their own freeze; parent can still initiate a check.
• Equifax: https://assets.equifax.com/assets/personal/Minor_Freeze_Request_Form.pdf
  • Under 16: Parent mails the minor-freeze form with required IDs.
  • Ages 16–17: Teen can (and should) request their own freeze by phone/mail (no online).
• TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
  • Protected-consumer (child) freeze via parent/guardian.
  • At 16+: Teen may remove their own freeze by written request; otherwise parent manages until 18.
• Innovis: https://www.innovis.com/personal/lc_minorsProtected
  • Parent adds a minor/protected-consumer freeze by submitting the requested documents.

Only temporarily unfreeze if your child is:

• 16–17 and legitimately needs a credit check (e.g., specific employment checks or banking that triggers a pull).
• 18+ and applying for credit, renting, or other credit-based screenings.

Re-freeze immediately after.

Renew fraud alerts annually

Fraud alerts tell lenders to verify identity before opening new credit. Use them if a file exists or after suspected misuse.

• Experian (minors): request via the minor request portal above.
• Equifax: initial alerts require an active file; if fraud created one, place the alert.
• TransUnion: fraud alerts are not offered for minors; use a protected-consumer freeze (see above) instead.
• Initial fraud alerts propagate among the three nationwide CRAs; you still add a separate alert with Innovis if desired.

Should-dos

Reduce junk mail and calls

• OptOutPrescreen: https://www.optoutprescreen.com
  • For minors with suspected misuse: send written opt-out requests to each bureau with the child's documents (birth certificate, SSN card) and your ID. This stops prescreened offers tied to a file.
• Do Not Call Registry: https://www.donotcall.gov
  • Register your and your child's mobile number. This reduces telemarketing calls (not scam calls). Use phone-level blocking for the rest.