Child Identity Theft
These days, there are as many child victims of identity theft as there are adults. Children make for the ideal target not only because their clean credit history but because it is likely to be years before the damage is discovered. Though it is possible for a child’s personal information to be gleaned from such places as insurance forms and similar records, the perpetrators of child identity theft are often more close to home. Unfortunately, the vast majorities of these crimes are committed by parents, a guardian or close relative of the child. As many will agree, having one’s identity stolen is hard enough; the added element of having it done by what is supposed to be a trusted family member only adds further insult to injury.
Once a child comes of age, gaining any type of loan, making an automobile purchase, obtaining insurance and even landing a job can become nearly impossible. It is not uncommon for child victims of identity theft to put off getting married for fear of hurting their potential spouse’s future well being. Plus, the issue often divides families, prompting many to choose sides and cut off all contact. In the end, the child pays in more ways than one.
The following are tips for keeping a child safe from identity theft:
- Keep a child’s social security number safe. A parent or guardian should never carry the card personally; nor should the child be allowed to be responsible for the card.
- Keep important records and documents with personal information under lock and key. Shred all others.
- Do not give out a child’s social security number casually. Signing up for sports teams or fundraisers should not rely on having a child’s social security number. Schools cannot refuse to provide and education just because they do not have a child’s social security number.
- When applicable, demand to know why the child’s social security number is required. Insist on using a truncated number, such as only the last four digits, where possible.
In the unfortunate event that a child’s personal information is used fraudulently, experts recommend filing a police report right away, even if the damage is years old.
This is essential even if the perpetrator is a parent, a relative or close friend. Although this can create a distressing situation, it is important to recognize that a child will eventually become an adult who will need a way to make it in the world. A destroyed credit history will only ensure a life of struggle before he or she ever gets started.
Even if it is obvious that much of the damage could not have been carried out by the victim, he or she will still likely be held responsible. This is because creditors base decisions on numbers of delinquencies and debt ratios rather than taking on an in depth study of a credit report. Therefore, the process of legitimately reversing the damage begins by filing a police report. This will show verification of acknowledged fraudulent activity and that an individual is in the process of honestly restoring their credit to good standing.
