You might not think child identity theft could affect your family—but it happens more often than you’d expect. Knowing what to do if your child’s identity is stolen helps you act fast and protect their financial future.
What Is Child Identity Theft?
Child identity theft occurs when someone uses a minor’s personal information—such as their Social Security number—to open credit cards, apply for loans, or obtain government benefits. Because parents don’t typically check their children’s credit histories, this fraud can go undetected for a long time, making it harder to correct later.
How Can Child Identity Theft Occur?
There are numerous ways a child’s personal information can fall into the wrong hands:
- Data breaches or leaks from schools, medical offices, or online accounts
- Family members or acquaintances misusing a child’s Social Security number
- Phishing scams or social engineering—tricking someone into sharing private information
- Documents left unsecured, such as tax forms, birth certificates, or school records
What Are Child Identity Theft Warning Signs?
Watch for these red flags that may signal someone is misusing your child’s information:
- Mail or bills in your child’s name
- Denials for government benefits (like Medicaid or tax credits) because someone else is using their Social Security number
- Communication from the IRS about unpaid taxes
- Credit card offers or pre-approval letters sent to them
- Trouble opening a financial account because a credit history already exists under their name
What Should You Do if Your Child’s Identity Is Stolen?
If you discover that someone has used your child’s personal information, you can take steps to protect your child and set things right.
- Check with the Credit Bureaus – Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion and ask them to do a manual search of your child’s Social Security number. If a credit file exists, that’s a red flag that someone has used the child’s information.
- Report the Theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Go to IdentityTheft.gov and create an Identity Theft Report. This gives you official proof of the theft and a recovery plan. You’ll use this report when you contact the credit bureaus and any affected companies.
- Complete the Uniform Minor’s Status Declaration – This voluntary declaration form confirms your child is a minor and shouldn’t have a credit record. You’ll send it to each credit bureau along with copies of the required documents listed on the form.
- Contact Any Affected Companies – If someone opened a credit card, loan, or other account in your child’s name, contact the company’s fraud department directly. Explain the situation, send your documentation, and request that the account be closed. Be sure to ask for written confirmation that your child won’t be held responsible for any charges.
- File a Police Report – Some police departments may not take a report unless there’s clear evidence of local criminal activity, but it’s worth asking because having an official report can help when dealing with creditors.
- Keep Good Notes – Write down the names, dates, and details of everyone you contact. Follow up with the credit bureaus after 30–60 days to confirm that all fraudulent information has been removed.
How Can You Protect Your Child’s Identity?
Here’s how to reduce the risk of child identity theft:
- Store sensitive documents (Social Security cards, birth certificates) securely.
- Be cautious when sharing your child’s personal information with schools, sports leagues, or online accounts.
- Shred old records before disposal.
- Teach your children basic online privacy habits early: never share birthdates, addresses, or ID numbers publicly.
Should You Freeze Your Child’s Credit?
Freezing your child’s credit prevents anyone from opening new accounts in their name. It’s free and protects against future fraud—whether or not identity theft has already occurred. The freeze remains in place until you lift it, or until your child lifts it once they turn 18. You’ll need to place a freeze with each credit bureau, so be sure to follow the instructions on their websites.
Even if your child’s credit is frozen, it’s a good idea to periodically check that no unauthorized accounts have been opened.
Peace of Mind for Your Family
Finding out your child’s identity has been stolen can be stressful, but acting quickly and staying organized makes a huge difference. You can rebuild their clean slate and protect their financial future.
At Coast Central Credit Union, we care about your family’s financial security. If you have questions about how to protect your child’s identity—or your own—stop by or give us a call. Be sure to check out our Fraud & Scams Resources. We’re here to help you keep every branch of your family tree safe.
Coast Central – Where YOU are central.