How to Protect Your Child from Identity Theft

Key Takeaways

• Child identity theft occurs when criminals use a child’s personal information, such as their Social Security number (SSN), to open fraudulent accounts, apply for jobs or file false tax returns.
• Freezing your child’s credit can prevent anyone from opening credit accounts in their name.
• Be cautious about sharing your child’s SSN or other personal information with third parties. Only disclose these details when absolutely necessary.
• Store important documents like your child’s birth certificate and SSN card in a secure location to prevent unauthorized access.
• If you suspect that your child’s identity has been stolen, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) offers free, expert guidance and support to help you recover.

Child identity theft occurs when a criminal gains access to a child’s personal information, such as their Social Security number (SSN), and uses it to open fraudulent accounts or commit other forms of financial fraud. In this blog, we will outline how you can take steps to protect your child from identity theft. These preventative measures can safeguard your child’s personal information and help you respond quickly if an incident occurs.

Why Is Child Identity Theft a Growing Problem?

Identity theft involving children is on the rise. Criminals often target children because their personal information is pristine and untouched, making it more difficult to detect fraudulent activity. Additionally, child identity theft often goes unnoticed for years, meaning that criminals can open accounts, commit fraud, or take out loans in the child’s name without the child or their parents realizing it.

Since children’s SSNs are not typically checked when criminals open fraudulent accounts, they can use that information to get credit, apply for jobs, file fake tax returns and even open bank accounts. This type of identity theft can have lasting consequences on your child’s financial future, as it may take years to resolve the issue and restore their credit.

How to Protect Your Child’s Personal Information

The first step in protecting your child from identity theft is ensuring that their personal information is kept private. Here are some strategies that can help safeguard their data:

1. Freeze Your Child’s Credit

One of the most effective ways to protect your child from identity theft is by freezing their credit. A credit freeze prevents anyone, including potential identity thieves, from accessing your child’s credit file. This means that no one can open credit accounts in your child’s name without your consent.

Freezing your child’s credit is a simple process. You will need to contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—and request a credit freeze for your child. You will typically need to provide proof of your child’s identity, such as their birth certificate and SSN card, and your identity as their parent or legal guardian.

If you need to access your child’s credit report in the future (for example, when they are applying for a credit card or loan), you can temporarily lift the freeze. However, until that time comes, a freeze will provide a strong layer of protection.

To learn more about freezing your child’s credit or your own, visit the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC’s) credit freeze website FrozenPii.com.

2. Limit Sharing of Your Child’s SSN and Personal Information

Your child’s SSN is the most critical piece of information for identity thieves. Unfortunately, some parents unknowingly share their child’s SSN or other sensitive information, putting them at risk. Only share your child’s SSN or other personal information with third parties when absolutely necessary.

For example:

• Medical Providers: In some cases, your child’s SSN may be requested for medical billing purposes. Ensure that the provider has a legitimate reason for needing this information and that it will be stored securely.
• Schools and Educational Institutions: If a school or daycare requests your child’s SSN, ask why it’s necessary and how the information will be used and protected. Avoid providing your child’s SSN unless it’s a legal requirement for enrollment.
• Government Agencies: When applying for government benefits or services, such as healthcare or social security programs, sharing your child’s SSN may be required. Ensure that the request is legitimate and that your child’s information will be handled safely.

Whenever possible, ask about the organization’s privacy policies and how they safeguard your child’s information. Avoid sharing your child’s SSN with any entity unless it’s absolutely required and done through a secure process.

3. Securely Store Important Documents

In order to prevent unauthorized access to your child’s personal information, it’s important to securely store documents such as their birth certificate, SSN card and other identifying records. These documents should never be left in easily accessible locations, such as your child’s schoolbag or a drawer in the kitchen.

Consider using a fireproof and lockable safe for storing your child’s sensitive documents at home. You may also choose to store digital copies of the documents in a secure cloud service with encryption.

If you ever need to send any of these documents, ensure that they are being sent through a secure method. If you’re mailing physical copies, use certified mail with tracking to prevent the documents from being lost or intercepted.

4. Monitor Your Child’s Credit and Personal Information

Even if you freeze your child’s credit, it’s essential to monitor their personal information regularly for any signs of fraud. Request a credit report for your child at least once a year from the three major credit bureaus to ensure that no fraudulent activity has occurred. 

You can also check for other signs of identity theft, such as receiving unexpected bills or calls from debt collectors for debts your child did not incur. If you do receive any documents or notices that you don’t recognize, take action immediately to investigate and resolve the issue.

Please note, this is only necessary if your child’s SSN has already been misused. If you preemptively freeze your child’s credit, monitoring should not be necessary.

5. Be Aware of Data Breaches and Scams

Data breaches and scams are common methods by which identity thieves steal personal information. Pay attention to any notices about breaches involving organizations where your child’s information may be stored, like schools or doctor’s office. If you are informed that your child’s data has been compromised, take steps to protect their information, such as freezing their credit and monitoring their accounts.

Additionally, be cautious of phishing emails, phone calls or messages that ask for personal information. Criminals may impersonate legitimate organizations or even family members to trick you into providing your child’s details. Never share sensitive information over the phone or online unless you’re certain of the recipient’s identity.

6. Teach Your Child About Online Safety

Educating your child about online safety is an essential step in preventing identity theft. Teach your child not to share personal information, including their SSN, address, or financial details, online or with people they don’t know.

Set up parental controls on devices and encourage responsible internet use. Be sure to monitor their online activities and guide them on how to recognize potential scams and phishing attempts.

What to Do if You Suspect Child Identity Theft

Despite your best efforts, there may still be instances where your child’s identity is stolen. If you suspect that your child is the victim of identity theft, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue.

1. Contact the Credit Bureaus

If you haven’t already done so, freeze your child’s credit immediately. You can then contact the three major credit bureaus to report the fraudulent activity and request that they remove any fraudulent accounts from your child’s credit report. You will also need to contact the account issuer to dispute the same information. 

2. File a Report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Report the theft to the FTC by filing a complaint at www.identitytheft.gov. The FTC can provide you with a recovery plan and help you understand what steps to take next.

3. Notify the IRS

If you suspect that your child’s SSN was used to file a false tax return, or the child is claimed on someone’s taxes who is not legally able to claim the child, contact the IRS immediately. The IRS can issue a formal identity theft report and work with you to resolve the issue.

4. Seek Help from the ITRC

If your child’s identity has been stolen, the ITRC is a valuable resource for free, confidential support. The ITRC can guide you through the recovery process, helping you take the necessary steps to restore your child’s identity and protect their future.

Reach Out to the ITRC

Protecting your child from identity theft is an important responsibility that requires vigilance and preventative measures. By freezing your child’s credit, limiting the sharing of personal information, securely storing important documents, and educating your child about online safety, you can reduce the risk of identity theft and ensure that their personal information remains secure.

If you believe your child’s identity has been stolen or you need assistance with identity theft recovery, the ITRC is here to help. With expert advice and resources, the ITRC can help you navigate the recovery process and safeguard your child’s future.

Taking steps now to protect your child’s identity will not only provide peace of mind but also ensure that their future is free from the long-term consequences of identity theft.