Attention parents! Have you ever thought about your child’s credit report?
While we often monitor our own credit, our children’s credit is sometimes overlooked, making them vulnerable to identity theft.
Many incidents of identity theft can go unnoticed for years, often only emerging when the affected child applies for college financial aid.
To prevent this, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect their future financial integrity.
One of the best steps you can take is to place a credit freeze on your minor child’s reports with all three major credit bureaus.
Federal Trade Commission – Consumer Advice
This process, although slightly tedious, is a powerful safeguard for your child’s future.
What you’ll need to place a credit freeze
To start, you’ll need:
- A copy of your government-issued ID (like a driver’s license)
- The minor’s Social Security card
- The minor’s birth certificate
- Proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, bank, or insurance statement)
- A record of your home addresses for the past two years
How to place a credit freeze with each credit bureau
Of note, you cannot freeze a minor’s credit report online. The process must be completed via mail, and each bureau has its own process, which you can access below:
- Visit Experian’s how-to guide
- Learn how to freeze a TransUnion account
- View and download Equifax’s freeze request form (.pdf)
Remember, a little effort now can make a big difference in your child’s financial future. Protect them from identity theft today!
