What Is Child Identity Theft and Are My Children at Risk? 

Child identity theft is a form of identity theft where the thief uses a child’s personal information, like their name and Social Security number. Thieves steal children’s identities because it can be easier than stealing an adult’s identity. Yet, they can still use the stolen information to open accounts in the child’s name or get money from them. A child’s identity can also be used to help an adult commit fraud. Follow along to learn more about what is child identity theft, how to spot it and how to protect your child’s identity. 

What Is Child Identity Theft?  

Child identity theft refers to online criminals’ unauthorized use of a child’s personal information for various illicit objectives. Children are attractive targets because their clean credit histories make it easier for criminals to open accounts or engage in financial activities without immediate detection. The stolen identities can be exploited for obtaining credit, committing fraud, or engaging in other illicit activities, ultimately aiming for personal gain.

How Does Child Identity Theft Happen?

Child identity theft can occur through data breaches, exploitation by known individuals, social engineering tactics, compromised school or medical records, synthetic identity creation, and insecure online activities. Parents and guardians must remain vigilant to protect children’s personal information by monitoring credit reports, educating them about online safety, and securely handling sensitive documents. Awareness of these methods empowers individuals to safeguard children from falling victim to identity theft proactively.

7 Common Signs of Child Identity Theft 

It is essential to recognize the warning signs of child identity theft in order to catch the crime and lessen the harm it causes. Here are some common indicators that may suggest a child’s identity has been compromised:

• Unsolicited Credit Offers: Your youngster may have had accounts opened using their personal information if they start receiving credit card offers or other financial solicitations in the mail.
• Collection Calls or Bills in the Child’s Name: Getting bills for services or purchases your child never made, or collection calls is a sign that their identity may have been stolen.
• Rejection of Government Benefits: If your child is denied government benefits because the Social Security number associated with their name is already in use, it could indicate identity theft.
• Suspicious Account Activity: Monitor your child’s bank accounts or credit reports for any unauthorized transactions or unfamiliar accounts opened in their name.
• Inaccurate Personal Information: If you see mistakes in your child’s personal information, such as their date of birth, address, or Social Security number, identity theft may be indicated.
• IRS Notifications: Receiving a notice from the IRS stating that your child’s Social Security number has been used in a tax return could indicate identity theft.
• Problems with School or Medical Records: Discrepancies or issues with your child’s school or medical records, such as incorrect insurance claims or academic records, may suggest identity theft.

You must act immediately if you see any of these indicators or suspect your child’s identity has been stolen. Contact the relevant financial institutions, credit bureaus, and government agencies to report the identity theft and initiate the necessary steps to rectify the situation and protect your child’s identity.

How to Protect Against Child Identity Theft

Protecting your child’s identity is essential in today’s digital world. Here are some effective ways to safeguard your child’s personal information and minimize the risk of identity theft:

Safeguard Personal Documents

To safeguard your child’s identity, it is crucial to store important documents securely. Keep birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, and other sensitive documents safe and secure at home. Consider utilizing a locked filing cabinet, a home safe, or a secure digital storage option. Restrict access to these documents to trusted individuals only, such as parents or guardians. Protect personal documents to help prevent identity theft and reduce the likelihood that they may end up in the wrong hands.

Freeze your Child’s Credit 

Taking immediate action to freeze your child’s credit is a crucial step in protecting their identity. By contacting the major credit bureaus, providing the necessary documentation, and following their procedures, you can prevent unauthorized individuals from opening accounts in your child’s name. Keeping detailed records and periodically monitoring their credit reports will help maintain the security of their information.

Freezing your child’s credit adds a strong defense against identity theft, ensuring their financial well-being and minimizing the risk of fraudulent activities. Learn more about credit freezes along with how to freeze your child’s credit. 

Don’t Give Out Your Child’s Social Security Number

One of the fundamental ways to protect your child’s identity is to be cautious about sharing their Social Security number (SSN). Only give out your child’s SSN if necessary, especially when it may not be required or the request seems suspicious. By limiting the number of times their SSN is revealed, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of their personal information getting into the wrong hands and being used for identity theft.

Educate Your Child about Online Safety 

Inform your youngster about the value of maintaining their privacy online and using the internet responsibly. Teach children to be careful when communicating with strangers or downloading unknown files and to never divulge personal information online without their consent.

Don’t Ignore Strange Mail in Your Child’s Name

It is essential not to ignore any unusual or suspicious mail addressed to your child. Strange mail in your child’s name indicates potential identity theft or fraud. Instead of disregarding it, carefully examine the contents of the mail and investigate further if necessary. Contact the sender to confirm the email’s legality or report any suspicious behavior to the proper authorities. Taking prompt action can help detect and mitigate potential identity theft issues before they escalate.

Limit the Sharing of Personal Information

Limiting the sharing of your child’s personal information is a crucial step in protecting their identity. Don’t divulge private information like someone’s name, date of birth, or Social Security number. Only provide this information when necessary, and ensure you deal with reputable and trusted entities. By being vigilant and selective when sharing personal information, you can reduce the risk of it falling into the wrong hands and help safeguard your child’s identity.

Be Wary of Phishing Attempts

Being cautious of phishing attempts is essential for protecting your child’s identity. Educate your child about the dangers of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages that ask for personal information. Train kids to be wary and only click on dubious links or submit personal information when they can confirm the request’s legitimacy. By instilling a sense of skepticism and critical thinking, you empower your child to recognize and avoid potential phishing scams, reducing the risk of falling victim to identity theft. Learn more about phishing and how to identify it. 

Regularly Monitor Accounts and Credit Reports

Regularly monitoring your child’s financial accounts and reviewing their credit reports is crucial to detect any unauthorized activity or accounts opened in their name. If applicable, monitor their bank accounts closely and scrutinize their statements for unfamiliar transactions. 

Additionally, they should periodically obtain and review their credit reports from the major credit bureaus to ensure there are no accounts or loans they did not authorize in their name. Promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the relevant financial institutions and credit reporting agencies can help mitigate the impact of identity theft and take appropriate measures to protect your child’s identity. Learn more about credit monitoring services from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. 

What To Do If Your Child’s Identity Has Been Stolen 

Discovering that your child’s identity has been stolen can be distressing, but taking immediate action is crucial. If your child’s identity has been stolen, follow these recommendations:

• If your child’s identity is stolen, report identity theft online with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or by phone at 1-877-438-4338. Follow their instructions and keep documentation of all communications.
• For child identity theft, contact local law enforcement to file a police report.
• Contact the fraud departments of companies with fraudulent accounts opened in your child’s name. Request account closure and a confirmation letter. Prepare to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate and the filed police report, if necessary.
• Contact the nationwide credit bureaus to report the child’s identity theft and request a fraud alert on your child’s credit report.

It is best to consult a specialist, such as a lawyer or an expert in identity theft, who can guide you through the process and assist you in resolving the issue. Acting swiftly and diligently is crucial to minimizing the impact of identity theft on your child’s financial future.

Bottom Line 

Child identity theft is a serious concern that requires proactive measures from parents and guardians. By limiting the sharing of personal information, educating children about online safety, monitoring accounts, and credit reports, being cautious of phishing attempts, and safeguarding personal documents, you can significantly reduce the risk of child identity theft. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)