Child Identity Theft and Credit Freezes
A child’s identity can be misused before they ever apply for credit. Check unexplained account notices and follow the credit bureaus’ child-specific procedures when seeking a freeze.
By ZoraSafe · Content reviewed · Originally published
Warning signs to investigate
Unexpected bills, collection notices or official records involving accounts a child did not open deserve attention. Confirm the sender through an official contact route before supplying more information.
What a freeze can and cannot do
The FTC explains that a credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new credit account using the child’s information. Contact each nationwide credit bureau using its official process. Requirements differ for minors and guardians.
A freeze does not stop every kind of identity misuse or remove information already exposed. Do not substitute a paid monitoring promise for the protections you actually need.
Sources: FTC: How to protect your child from identity theft
Related guidance: Identity Theft and Credit Freezes
If misuse has happened
- Keep the relevant notices and a timeline.
- Use IdentityTheft.gov to report misuse and build a recovery plan.
- Follow official instructions for correcting fraudulent accounts or records.
- Review who has access to the child’s identifying information and avoid sending documents through unsolicited links.
Sources: FTC: How to protect your child from identity theft; FTC: What to know about identity theft
Related guidance: What to Do After Responding to a Scam
Sources and product references
Reviewed 2026-10-07. Source dates and scope matter; a linked source supports the associated guidance, not every claim about every product.