Protected Consumer Security Freeze

A special type of security freeze can protect the credit of children and some adults.

Parents have an additional tool to help them protect their children, those under the age of 16, from becoming victims of identity theft. Guardians, or those who have written legal authority to protect incapacitated adults, can also get security freezes for those protected consumers. Having a security freeze in place for children and other protected consumers prevents anyone from taking out credit in their name.

If the credit bureau does not have a file for a children or protected consumer at the time the security freeze is requested by a parent or guardian, they will create a record in order to freeze it for the protected consumer. This new credit record will not be used for credit purposes but will be frozen to protect against identity theft.

To set up the security freeze, you will be asked to provide proof of identification for the protected consumer and for the parent guardian, including:

• Social Security Number or Social Security card;
• Certified or official copy of a birth certificate; or
• A copy of a driver’s license or other government-issued identification.

You will also be asked to provide proof of authority to act on behalf of the child or protected consumer. This includes:

• A court order;
• A valid power of attorney;
• A document issued by a government entity showing proof of parentage, such as a birth certificate; or
• Documentation from a county department certifying that the protected consumer is in a foster care setting.

The credit bureaus must comply with requests made by mail within three business days of receiving them. You must provide this information to each of the three nationwide credit bureaus by mail. Visit their websites or call the numbers below for details.

• Equifax – Direct Link 
  1-800-349-9960 
• Experian – Direct Link
  1-888-397-3742 
• TransUnion – Direct Link 
  1-888-909-8872 

Note: These links will take you to the websites for the three credit bureaus. These sites are separate from www.ncdoj.gov.

Keep Your PINs or Passwords Safe

When you freeze your credit, the credit bureau will send you confirmation of the freeze placement along with information on how to remove the freeze. This information should be sent to you no later than five business days after placing the freeze, and should include any authentication information you will need, such as a PIN (Personal Identification Number) or password. Make sure to keep this authentication information in a safe place.