Unfortunately, identity theft doesn’t only impact adults. Recent data shows that children under 19 accounted for 3% of reported identify theft during the first half of 2024, up from 2% in 2023. And while identity theft can be detrimental to anyone, it can be especially damaging for children. This is because child identity theft is often not discovered until a child grows up and applies for a loan or credit card, only to find that their credit has been compromised. To help ensure this doesn’t happen to your child, it’s important to know the signs of childhood identity theft, and what to do if you suspect it.
- Watch out for signs of identity theft. Typically, one of the first signs that your child’s identity has been compromised is receiving calls or letters in the mail about unpaid bills or taxes in your child’s name. Another indicator is receiving a notice that your child is no longer eligible for government benefits they were previously receiving.
- See if your child has a credit report. If you suspect that your child’s identity has been stolen, you should find out if there is a credit report in their name. In most cases, a child younger than 18 will not have a credit report, so the existence of one could indicate identity theft. The three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and Transunion - all have resources that explain how you can check to see if your child has a credit report on file. If you discover that your child does have a credit report, work with the credit bureau to access it, review it, and dispute it, if necessary.
- Put a security freeze on your child’s credit. One proactive measure you can take is to freeze your child’s credit to prevent anyone from fraudulently applying for credit in their name. Locking down your child's credit through a security freeze can significantly reduce the risk of their identity being stolen. To request a credit freeze for your child, you’ll need to visit each of the three credit bureau websites:
• Experian – Add a security freeze for a minor
• Equifax – Minor Freeze Request Form
• Transunion – How do I freeze for my minor child?
- Be cautious about sharing your child’s information. Be wary about sharing your child’s name, date of birth, and social security number. Most of the time, there is no need to give anyone your child's social security number. You may need to provide it when registering them for school, opening a bank account in their name, adding them to an insurance policy, or listing them as a dependent when filing your taxes, but other than that you will very rarely need to disclose their social security number.
- Talk to your child about protecting their personal information. As your child gets older, be sure to sit down with them and explain the importance of keeping their sensitive personal information private. Let them know how fraudsters are constantly trying to get their hands on personal information via phishing attempts, and remind them to never disclose such information. You should also review online best practices with your child to ensure they don’t accidentally click on malicious links and inadvertently install malware on their computer or mobile device. Teaching your child how to stay safe online is a crucial step toward keeping their identity safe.
It’s unfortunate that we live in a world where not even a child’s identity is safe, but by staying vigilant and knowing the signs of potential identity theft, you can help your child stay one step ahead. If you do spot any signs of a compromise, be sure to report it quickly. You should file a complaint with your local police department, report the suspected fraud to your state’s attorney general’s office, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission, and contact each of the three major credit bureaus.