Updated November 12, 2026

Your child may not use credit yet, but their personal information still needs protection.

A child’s first financial surprise should not be a bill for an account they never opened. Criminals can misuse a minor’s personal information years before the family discovers a problem.

Here are six steps parents can take today.

1. Freeze your child’s credit

Contact:
Equifax 800-685-1111
Experian 888-397-3742
TransUnion 800-916-8800

Contact each one separately to request a free credit freeze for a child under 16. Each bureau requires documentation confirming your identity and authority. Teens ages 16 and 17 can request their own freezes.

A freeze makes it harder for someone to open new credit accounts using your child’s identity.

2. Be selective about sharing their Social Security number

If a school, camp, or organization requests it, ask why it is necessary, how it will be protected, and whether another identifier will work.

Avoid sending sensitive information through unexpected messages or unfamiliar links.

3. Secure important documents

Keep Social Security cards, birth certificates, and sensitive records in a secure location. Shred paperwork containing personal information before discarding it.

4. Teach safer online habits

Help your child create unique passwords and turn on multifactor authentication where available. Review privacy settings together and teach them to ask you before sharing personal details or responding to suspicious requests.

5. Watch for unfamiliar bills and accounts

Collection calls, unexpected bills, or credit offers addressed to your child deserve attention. Ask the three credit bureaus to check for a credit file and investigate unfamiliar activity.

A file does not automatically mean fraud—it can also result from an authorized-user account or an error.

6. Act quickly if you discover misuse

Contact the affected company’s fraud department and request closure of fraudulent accounts. Dispute fraudulent information with the credit bureaus, keep written records, and visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery guidance.

Help protect their future today

Start with these free protective steps. When considering monitoring, review whether minors are covered, which features apply, and any age restrictions.

Explore identity protection options with Credit.CC™ and review the coverage that fits your household.