Identity theft targets minors because their credit records are essentially blank and untouched — making them valuable to criminals who want to open accounts, take out loans, or file tax returns in a child’s name

Identity theft targets minors because their credit records are essentially blank and untouched — making them valuable to criminals who want to open accounts, take out loans, or file tax returns in a child’s name.

Parents can and should freeze their child’s credit with the three major bureaus as a preventative measure.

It’s free, it doesn’t affect the child’s future credit access, and it’s one of the most powerful protections you can put in place.