Protecting Your Child’s Identity: What Parents Need to Know

Why Children Are Targeted

Clean Credit History

Children have clean credit histories, making them attractive targets for identity thieves who want to open new accounts or take out loans.

Unmonitored Information

Parents may not think to monitor their child's credit, giving thieves ample time to exploit the child's identity before the fraud is discovered.

Signs of Child Identity Theft

Unexpected Mail

Receiving mail in your child's name, such as credit card offers or collection notices, can be a sign that their identity has been compromised.

Denied Government Benefits

If your child is denied government benefits because they are supposedly already receiving them, this could indicate identity theft.

Issues When Applying for Credit

When your child applies for a first credit card or loan and is unexpectedly denied or finds they have a poor credit history, it can be a sign of identity theft.

How to Protect Your Child’s Identity

1. Safeguard Personal Information

Store your child's Social Security card, birth certificate, and other sensitive documents in a secure location. Avoid sharing their Social Security number unless absolutely necessary.

2. Monitor for Unauthorized Activity

Check if a credit report exists in your child's name. If there is one, it could indicate identity theft. You can request a credit freeze to prevent new accounts from being opened in their name.

3. Be Cautious with Online Sharing

Avoid sharing your child's personal information online, including on social media. Be mindful of privacy settings and who can see your posts.

4. Educate Your Child

Teach your child about the importance of protecting personal information and the risks of sharing it with strangers.

Steps to Take if Your Child’s Identity Is Stolen

1. Contact the Credit Bureaus

If you suspect identity theft, contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your child's credit report.

2. File a Report with the FTC

Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and create an Identity Theft Report. This can help you work with credit bureaus and businesses to resolve the fraud.

3. Contact Businesses Involved

Contact any businesses where fraudulent accounts were opened in your child's name. Provide them with the Identity Theft Report and request that the accounts be closed.

Conclusion

Children are prime targets for identity theft due to their clean credit histories and unmonitored information. By safeguarding personal information, monitoring for unauthorized activity, being cautious with online sharing, and educating your child, parents can protect their child's identity. If identity theft occurs, taking prompt action by contacting credit bureaus, filing a report with the FTC, and contacting involved businesses is essential. Ensuring your child's future security starts with vigilant identity protection.