Child Identity Theft (Part 1)
A child's Social Security number can be used by identity thieves to apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, apply for a loan or utility service, or rent a place to live. Check for a credit report to see if your child's information is being misused, and take immediate action if it is.
Many school forms require personal and, sometimes, sensitive information. Find out how your child's information is collected, used, stored, and thrown away. Your child's personal information is protected by law. Asking schools and other organizations to safeguard your child's information can help minimize your child's risk of identity theft.
Warning Signs
Several signs can tip you off to the fact that someone is misusing your child's personal information and committing fraud. For example, you or your child might
- Be turned down for government benefits because the benefits are being paid to another account using your child's Social Security number
- Get a notice from the IRS saying the child didn't pay income taxes, or that the child's Social Security number was used on another tax return
- Get collection calls or bills for products or services you didn't receive
Check for a credit report.
If you think your child's information is at risk, check whether your child has a credit report.
- Contact each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies.
- Ask for a manual search of the child's file.
- The companies will check for files relating to the child's name and Social Security number, and for files related only to the child's Social Security number.
- The credit reporting companies may require copies of
- The child's birth certificate, listing parents
- The child's Social Security card
- The parent or guardian's government-issued identification card, like a driver's license or military identification, or copies of documents proving the adult is the child's legal guardian
- Proof of address, like a utility bill, credit card, or insurance statement
- Update your files.
- Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
- Keep copies of letters in your files.
Federal Trade Commission. (2012, August). Child identity theft. Retrieved August 16, 2018, from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/