### Question
Can you define what protected consumer means?


### Answer
**Protected consumer** is defined as the following in *15 U.S.C. § 1681c*:

> an individual who is—


(i) under the age of 16 years at the time a request for the placement of a security freeze is made

#### Citation:
  - *15 U.S.C. § 1681c*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 41-CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION > SUBCHAPTER III-CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES**

