Lawmakers in New York state have passed a proposal designed to help parents prevent their children from becoming the victims of identity theft.

The measure passed both the state Senate and Assembly on Tuesday. It now heads to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his signature.

The bill would require credit agencies to place a credit record freeze on the account of a child at the request of a parent or legal guardian. Parents could do this to prevent their children from being victimized.

Children often make easy targets for identity thieves because they often don’t know they’ve been victimized until years later when they apply for their first credit card or apartment. Thieves can use the child’s identity to apply for loans or credit cards.

(AP)