When Your Child’s Identity Is Stolen

What Is Child Identity Theft?

Children can be identity theft victims, just as well as adults.
Child identity theft (those under age 18) happens when someone uses their personal information, like their name or Social Security number, to obtain employment or credit.  For children, the theft may go undetected for years and might not be discovered until the child applies for their first credit card or loan.
 

What Are The Signs That A Child Might Be A Victim?

Credit cards or Bills in the child's name are a likely sign.  Also, debt collection calls to your home.  When you open a college fund or bank account in your child's name, ask the bank to remove the child's name from any marketing lists.  Then if you receive any pre-approved credit offers in your child's name, take note, this could be a result of identity theft.
 

If Your Child Is An Identity Theft Victim

Credit reporting agencies do not purposely maintain credit files on minor children. If you think that your child’s information has been misused, notify the three major credit bureaus:

1. Experian: 1-888-397-3742
2. Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
3. TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

If there is a file in your child’s name, then you will know that a fraud alert has been placed on the child's file. You can ask them to send you instructions on how to obtain a copy of your child’s credit report from each of the credit bureaus. Usually, there is no charge for these copies.

If You Receive A Credit Report On Your Child

If any one of the three credit bureaus sends you a report, call the credit bureau.  Their number will be listed on the report.  Tell them that the report is on a minor who does not have a credit history.  The credit bureau will then assist you in the process of clearing your child's credit records.  Check out the topic on "Identity Theft Victims Checklist".
 

Things You Can Do To Protect Your Child From Identity Theft

1. Educate your children:
   Teach them that they should not give out their personal information either over the Internet, over the telephone or to anyone without your permission.
    
2. Guard Their Social Security Number:
   Limit the use of their SSN.  When your child’s SSN is requested by a business, ask them some questions.
   1. Is there an another form of identification that can be used?
   2. Who will have access to this information?
   3. How will they protect the information?
   4. How will they dispose of the information when it’s no longer needed?
       

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