ID Theft Protection & Credit Monitoring for Your Whole Family

Child identity theft is on rise. In 2011, more than 19,000 child identity theft complaints were reported to the Federal Trade Commission, compared with about 6,000 cases in 2003. The first thing parents can do is get educated on the topic.

Child ID Theft 101

Who to watch out for?

• Unknown perpetrators steal or purchase Social Security numbers and sometimes other identifying information. Some have even created Social Security numbers that just happen to belong to children.
• Family members also have been caught using their children's identifying information in times of desperation. Be it job loss or mounting debt, they are compelled to take advantage of their child's "clean" credit history.

How do they use it?

• The primary use of a stolen identity is for financial purposes. Examples include applying for credit cards and loans, including student/tuition and car loans; opening new bank accounts; and applying for utilities such as cell phone and cable services.
• Other non-financial purposes for using a child's identity include renting an apartment; getting a job; avoiding a criminal record on the perpetrator's file; fraudulently applying for government or medical benefits.

How can you protect your children?

• Hold your children's personal information as close as you would hold them. Carry your child's Social Security card, birth certificate or passport with you only when absolutely necessary.
• If you are asked for your child's Social Security number, ask these three questions: Why is it needed? Isn't there another way to identify my child? How will my child's information be protected?
• Lock birth certificates and documents with your child's Social Security number in a safe place.

What to do if your child is a victim?

• Report it! Contact your local police and report the crime with any evidence you may have including credit cards, bills, collection notices and letters from the IRS or other government agencies.
• Get a report from the police and request a copy of any information known by the three credit reporting agencies.

These are just a few important points to know about child identity theft. To learn more, download the Child Identity Theft Education Kit (PDF) above.