Child Identity Theft

Children are prime targets for identity thieves because they have clean credit histories that may go undetected for years — sometimes until a child applies for their first student loan or apartment. Here's how to protect your children and what to do if their identity is stolen.

Why Children Are Targeted

A child's Social Security number is valuable precisely because it's clean — no credit history means no fraud monitoring, and parents rarely check their minor child's credit. Thieves use stolen SSNs to open credit cards, take out loans, rent apartments, and even file fraudulent tax returns, sometimes for years before detection.

Detection often happens when the child turns 18 and applies for student loans, a first credit card, or an apartment — only to discover they have a damaged credit file from activity they never authorized.

How to Check If Your Child Has a Credit File

Children under 18 should not have a credit file at all. If they do, that's a red flag for identity theft.

To check: Send a written request to each bureau asking them to perform a manual search for a credit file under your child's Social Security number. Include: your child's full name, SSN, date of birth, and a copy of their birth certificate. Include your own ID as the parent/guardian.

• Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/child-identity-theft
• Experian: experian.com/fraud/center.html
• TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-help/child-identity-theft

Place a Protective Freeze for Your Child

All three bureaus are required by law to place a credit freeze for children under 16 upon parental request, even if no credit file currently exists. The freeze prevents any future file from being created using your child's SSN. This is the most effective prevention measure available.

The freeze should be placed at all three bureaus and renewed periodically. When your child turns 18, they can lift the freeze themselves.

If Your Child's Identity Has Been Stolen

1. File an FTC Identity Theft Report at IdentityTheft.gov (create one for your child)
2. File a police report with your local department
3. Request the bureaus block all fraudulent information under FCRA § 605B using the FTC report
4. Contact each creditor where fraudulent accounts were opened and request closure and removal
5. Consider consulting an identity theft attorney — the legal process for clearing a minor's record is complex

Sources of Child Identity Theft

Approximately 50% of child identity theft is perpetrated by someone the child knows — family members, family friends, or family acquaintances who have access to Social Security numbers. Medical providers, schools, and data breaches are the other common sources. Treat your child's SSN as you would your own financial information.

See also: Identity Theft Immediate Steps | How to Freeze Your Credit