Freezing Credit: A Key to Identity Protection

Why Freezing Credit Works

A credit freeze locks access to your credit file. This means no one, including identity thieves, can open a new credit account in your name. Thus, you prevent surprise credit cards, loans, or any fraudulent activity— even if a scammer has your Social Security number. Unlike fraud alerts or credit monitoring, which often cost money or miss important issues, a freeze stops fraud before it starts.

Why You Should Freeze Your Child’s Credit

Children are prime targets for identity theft. Thieves prefer using clean Social Security numbers that haven’t been linked to any financial accounts—precisely what kids have. Most victims don’t find out until they’re 18. At that time, they may be denied a student loan or job due to damaged credit from years earlier.

Freezing your child’s credit offers multiple benefits:

• It makes it impossible for thieves to exploit their SSN.

• It ensures a clean credit slate for their future.

• It provides long-term peace of mind.

  
  

Here is a shocking statistic: children’s clean credit histories often go unchecked for years. In one reported case by the Times Union, foster children—even as young as two—had credit cards and utility bills opened in their names. This was only discovered years later when they applied for credit. The New York Post revealed over 22,000 identity theft cases involving minors in a single year. Some kids turned 18 only to discover debts, apartment leases, and even jobs associated with their Social Security numbers. According to the FTC, children's identities can be used for years without detection, severely damaging their credit before they even become adults.

It’s Completely Free

Thanks to federal law, all three major credit bureaus must allow you to freeze and unfreeze your credit for free, at any time. There are no hidden charges or fees involved.

Where and How to Freeze Credit

To freeze credit, you’ll need to do it with each bureau separately. Here’s where to go:

1. Equifax

🔗 Freeze your credit with Equifax

2. Experian

🔗 Freeze or Unfreeze Your Credit File for Free - Experian

3. TransUnion

🔗 Credit Freeze | TransUnion

What You’ll Need

For Adults:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Social Security number

• Current and past addresses

• Government-issued ID

• Phone number/email

  
  

For Children:

• Child’s birth certificate

• Child’s Social Security number

• Your ID

• Proof of guardianship (for example, a tax return listing the child)

  
  

What About Unfreezing?

Need to apply for a mortgage, credit card, or job? No problem. You can temporarily lift the freeze online in seconds. You have total control over your credit.

Common Misconceptions

• Don’t confuse a freeze with a fraud alert. A fraud alert is less secure because it doesn’t fully restrict access to your credit report.

• Don’t pay anyone for this service—it’s entirely free through official websites.

• Store PINs and passwords securely, especially for your child’s freezes.

  
  

Wrap-Up: Protect Now, Thank Yourself Later

Freezing your credit is a wise decision—and freezing your child’s credit is even wiser. It’s quick, free, and one of the most effective ways to guard against the fastest-growing form of identity theft.

Take 15 minutes today and lock things down. You and your kids will appreciate this protective measure in the future.