What to know about child identity theft.
Believe it or not, child identity theft is a big deal. According to a study, from 2021 to 2022, 900,000 children were the victims of identity fraud, with kids under seven the most likely targets. Let’s take a look at this issue and find ways to prevent it from ever happening.
Signs of ID Theft
There are some ways you can tell if your child has been the victim of identity fraud. Here are some things to watch for:
- Credit card offer using your child’s name.
- Notice from the IRS that tax forms using your child’s name have been filed, or not filed and are in danger of incurring penalties
- Calls from collection agencies listing your child as a person in excessive debt.
- Your under-13 child has a credit report without any connection to you.
How to Check For Identity Theft
You can check your child’s credit report via the three credit reporting bureaus. While each bureau has its own criteria, most ask for information about the child so that their identity can be verified.
Verification Items Needed. To verify your child’s identity you’ll need the following:
- Child’s Social Security number
- Proof of residence
- Make sure you file with each of the credit bureaus.
If you see something suspicious, contact the lender or company first, then report it to all three bureaus.
Prevention Helps
The best way to keep your child’s identity protected is to keep important documents — like their Social Security card, birth certificate, etc — locked away. You can also shred any documents that you don’t need but contain personal information about your child.
Do One Thing: Be extra cautious when sharing any personal information about your child.
Article by Chris O’Shea, Savvy Money.
