As identity theft is fast becoming an epidemic in the United States, it is important to keep in mind that adults are not the only victims. Children can also be victims of identity theft. The most common way a child becomes a victim is when a parent or close relative uses his or her social security number to obtain services such as electricity, a driver’s license or a credit card. However, parents and relatives are not the only ones stealing children’s identities; almost anyone with access to a child’s personal information can misappropriate it.
All three of the major credit reporting agencies declare that they do not knowingly maintain credit files for minor children. But according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, “Credit issuers may not have a way to verify the age of an applicant.” The age of the applicant is taken at face value at the time application for credit is made.
Check your children’s credit report when you request your own to help prevent credit abuse. (The three major credit companies are Equifax, Transunion and Experian.)
Request reports only from www.annualcreditreport.com.
Do not leave a child’s identifying information out in plain view or in an easily accessible place. If a child starts receiving credit card offers, consider it a warning sign that someone may be using the child’s personal information
Ambre Goff of the Law Offices of Ambre Goff practices in the areas of family law and divorce. She has participated in the juvenile section of the Jacksonville Bar Association and was a Guardian Ad Litem program attorney.