ITRC Solution 5 – Ordering a Child’s Credit Report

If there are indications that your child’s Social Security Number has been compromised and used for financial gain, you must contact the three Credit Reporting Agencies (CRA’s) in writing. A minor under the age of 18 should not have a credit report. Therefore, if one exists it will contain information that does not match the correct information of the minor child.

There are some cases that appear to be identity theft but are not. Receiving a pre-approved credit card offer in your child's name might be upsetting. However, it might only be an innocent marketing tool sent by an affiliate of your bank because you opened a college fund or savings account for your child. We recommend that you opt out of all marketing lists with the bank when you open an account. A check of the credit reports will help you sort this out.

The ITRC and the three CRA’s do not recommend that you automatically check your child's credit report annually, unless you have an indication of a problem. To order reports unnecessarily actually opens a door to thieves because it could establish a credit report.

All correspondence should be mailed certified, return receipt. This correspondence should include:

• A cover letter including the full name of the child, the child's date of birth and previous addresses for the last five years.
• A copy of the child's birth certificate
• A copy of the parent's state identification card, such as a driver's license or state/ military issued photo identification card.
• A copy of the child's Social Security card

If the requestor is a guardian, but not a parent, he/she should state that and additionally include any documentation that legally appoints them as the guardian.

If you do not get a response from the CRAs within 30 days after getting your return receipt postcard, please file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Transunion
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA  92834

Experian
P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX  75013

Equifax
Office of Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 105139
Atlanta, GA  30348

Related Links:

ITRC Fact Sheet 120 - Child Identity Theft

ITRC Fact Sheet 120A – To Order a Child’s Credit Report

ITRC Fact Sheet 120B – Child Identity Theft Indicators

ITRC Letter Form 120 - Requesting a Child's Credit Report