TransUnion Child Credit Freeze Summary

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While the TransUnion child credit freeze process is relatively easy, their standard procedure for implementing a “protected consumer freeze” (outlined here) presents a couple of significant security risks.

By default, TransUnion asks that you mail the required documentation to a P.O. Box. Security experts advise against sending any sensitive information, like your Social Security number, via standard mail. In fact, there are even laws against printing a full Social Security number on mailed documents in some states. While FedEx and UPS do provide more secure mail options, they do not deliver to P.O. Boxes, and TransUnion only offers a P.O. Box address.

After I raised these concerns, TransUnion provided me with a fax number. While it is not as secure as the “secure upload” option offered by Experian, I applaud TransUnion for responding to the security concern. The bureau has not publicly made this fax option available; however, they have agreed to allow me to make it public via this blog.

Another security concern, TransUnion use to ask that you give your Social Security number to an Indian call center rep (without an employee ID) before they transfer you to the proper U.S. department.

See “You Need My Social Security Number But You Won’t Give Your Employee ID?” for details on the risk of providing your SSN over the phone and an amusing transcript of my conversation with a credit bureau call center employee.

In response to these concerns, TransUnion says it has reminded call center reps that they can use an address or other identifying information instead of a Social Security number.

TransUnion “Protected Consumer Freeze”

• Useful information:

  • Protected Consumer Information Web Link:
    • http://www.transunion.com/personal-credit/credit-disputes/ProtectedConsumers.page  
  • Main TransUnion Phone Number:  800-916-8800
    • TransUnion Security Freeze Line:  888-909-8872 
      • Press option #3 for freezes… then option #4 for information regarding Protected Consumer Freezes.
      • Press #0 to speak with an agent.”
  • TransUnion Fax#: 610-546-4771
    (Note: We HAVE confirmed this number IS accurate)
    • Best to fax in early AM or late PM when not as busy
  • TransUnion Protected Consumer Address:
    • TransUnion Protected Consumer Freeze
      P.O. Box 380
      Woodlyn, PA 19094
  • Required Documents:
    • Download TransUnion Sample Fax PDF here
    • Download TransUnion Sample Fax Word Doc Here
    • NOTE: TransUnion no longer requires a notarized description of authority.

• ---

   Compile your documents.

  • Child Social Security Card
  • Parent’s Social Security Card
  • Parent Driver’s License (Or Other Government Issued ID)
  • Evidence of Home Address (Bank Statement / Utility Bill)
  • Child’s Birth Certificate
  • Notarized Description of Authority**
    • Download Sample Notarized Description of Authority PDF Here
    • Download Sample Notarized Description of Authority Word Doc Here

In addition to the standard documentation required by most of the bureaus, TransUnion requires a “Written, Notarized and Signed Description of Authority.” This is simply a letter swearing that you are the child’s legal guardian and have the authority to freeze your child’s credit. You will have to have it signed by a notary. This usually costs around $10, and you can often find a notary at your local UPS Store or by searching the Yellow Pages online.

NOTE: Don’t sign the letter yourself until you are in the presence of the notary.

Once your child has an established credit file, he or she will be given a “credit file number.” Make sure you add that number to the bottom of every page and document you send in.

• Fax your documents

  • TransUnion Fax#: 610-546-4771
    NOTE: We are awaiting confirmation that this fax # is still accurate. Call to confirm before faxing docs to this number.
  • Download TransUnion Sample Fax PDF Here
  • Download TransUnion Sample Fax Word Doc Here

TransUnion representatives advise faxing in the early morning or late at night as the primary fax number can get busy during the day.

I advise calling TransUnion before faxing your documents and speaking to someone in the U.S. Security Freeze Department to ensure they are awaiting your fax. You can also ask if they will allow you to call back to confirm that they have successfully received your information.

Be very careful to dial the fax number correctly. You do not want to accidentally send this sensitive information to an unknown fax.

NOTE: While TransUnion does offer a P.O. Box address to mail your documents, security experts strongly advise against sending these sensitive documents via standard mail.

• Record your child’s pin numbers in a safe place.

Once your child’s credit file is frozen, TransUnion will send you a letter in the mail confirming that the “Protected Consumer Freeze” has been added. They will assign a “file number” to your child’s account. This number will serve as your child’s pin number and you will need it to lift the freeze when they turn 18.

TransUnion does not allow you to temporarily lift or “thaw” a Protected Consumer Credit Freeze. You will have to remove it completely and then reapply for a regular credit freeze (which is a very simple online process).

It is very important to keep the “file number” in a safe place. Not having that number will complicate the process of unfreezing the file when your child is old enough to apply for credit of his or her own.

Consider storing the number in a safe deposit box with other important documents. You can also record the number by sending it to yourself in a discrete email. Do not obviously indicate what the number is for in case your email gets hacked.

For more information on how to detect, repair and prevent child ID theft, see #NewsMom Research & Resources – Child ID Theft

Julie Watts
Julie is the consumer-investigative reporter for CBS in San Francisco. Her reports air nationally on CBS stations across the coun ...Read More