Child Identity Theft: A Growing Concern

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, a staggering 1.25 million U.S. children have fallen victim to identity theft. This disturbing trend highlights the vulnerability of young people to identity theft, often committed by someone they know.

Children are prime targets for identity theft due to their clean credit history and the fact that parents often don’t regularly check their credit reports. This lack of vigilance can lead to devastating consequences, as the identity thief uses the child’s Social Security number to obtain employment, credit cards, and other benefits.

One such case involves Daniel, whose Social Security number was stolen when he was eight years old. It took him 14 years to discover the identity theft, and now he faces the daunting task of clearing his name and rectifying his credit history.

Consequences of Child Identity Theft

Child identity theft can have far-reaching consequences, affecting a young person’s credit score, employment prospects, and overall financial stability. In many cases, the identity thief is someone the child knows, such as a family member or close friend.

As Michael Scheumack, chief innovation officer at IdentityIQ, notes, ‘Your Social Security number may have been stolen when you were eight years old, but the consequences can follow you into your 20s, 30s, and beyond.’

What to Do If You’re a Victim of Child Identity Theft

For those who have fallen victim to child identity theft, taking action is crucial to preventing long-term damage. Here are some steps to take:

• Immediately obtain a credit report from all three credit bureaus (AnnualCreditReport.com) to identify any inaccuracies.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report and freeze your credit to prevent further identity theft.
• Contact companies where you have open accounts, employment records, or past-due bills to alert them to the fraud and request their assistance in removing inaccuracies.
• File an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission.
• Report the identity theft to law enforcement, even if the statute of limitations has passed.

It’s essential to document all correspondence with the police, credit reporting agencies, and companies that have been notified of the identity theft. This will help you track progress and provide evidence if needed for future disputes.

Employment-Related Issues

Identity thieves often target children’s Social Security numbers to obtain employment without a legitimate Social Security number. If this has happened to you, submit Form 14039 to the IRS and contact the Social Security Administration to correct your earnings record.

Preventing Identity Theft

Preventing identity theft requires vigilance and regular monitoring. Here are some tips:

• Monitor your credit report regularly.
• Freeze your credit to prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts.
• Be cautious when sharing personal information online or with others.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the devastating consequences of identity theft.