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 collage 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. Fact Sheet 120B Parent’s Warning Signs- Child IDT Letter Form 120 Request a Child's Credit Report
How do I order a credit report for my child?
We and the three credit reporting agencies
do not recommend that you automatically check your child's credit report annually, unless you have an indication of a problem. To just order reports unnecessarily actually confuses the computerized systems of the credit reporting agencies and opens a door to thieves because it could establish a credit report.
A child should not have a report unless someone has started to apply for credit using that child's social security number.
All correspondence should be sent certified, return receipt mail. 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 ID card, such as a driver's license or state/ military issued photo id card.
A copy of the child's SSN
If the requestor is a guardian, but not a parent, he/ she should state that and additionally include any documentation that would legally appoint them as the guardian.
If you do not get a response from the credit reporting agencies within 30 days after getting your return receipt postcard, please file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Related Links:
Fact Sheet 120A This includes the credit reporting agencies addresses to write to.
Fact Sheet 120 Child Identity Theft

