Child Identities Need Protection Too

Adults are not the only ones who should be concerned about the growing problem of identity theft. Youngsters and teenagers are easy targets, especially since the identity theft may not be realized until years later. When the victim tries to open a bank account or apply for a credit card in the future, that is often the first time anyone realizes that what should be unblemished credit already has problems.

The Identity Theft Resource Center also cites that a perpetrator may sometimes even be a family member or someone known by the family. In some cases, the circumstance involves split parents and one is the perpetrator and the crime is found out by the other.

Here are child identity theft warning signs to watch for:

• When attempting to open a savings account or college fund or a child, a discovery is made that there is already an account with the child's social security number;



• An attempt to open a new account on behalf of a child is denied due to a bad check record/credit history;



• Pre-approved credit card offers arrive in the mail in the name of a child;



• Bank statements, checks or bills are sent in the name of a child (not including those opened by a parent as a joint holder)



• Collection agency calls or notifications are received in a child's name;



• A teen is denied the right to get a driver's license because another person already has a license with that social security number;



• A warrant is made for the arrest of a child.

What can parents do to protect children from identity theft?

• Be very cautious with the release of your child's personal information. Don't just automatically provide it; ask WHY it is needed. In many cases, the information is required for legitimate reasons, but parents should feel comfortable in why the information is requested, for what purposes it will be used, and how the information will be kept secure. If you are asked to provide a copy of a birth certificate or Social Security number, ask the procedure for it being filed and whether the documents are destroyed after a certain amount of time (such as the end of the season, in the event of sports, for example). In other words, don't be afraid to simply ask a few questions.



• Don't carry your child's Social Security card in your purse or wallet. The best advice is to memorize the number and keep the original documents in a safe place.



• With older children, teach them to be cautious about providing personal information and be sure they understand to NEVER give it out over the Internet or to anyone without first checking with a parent.



• Periodically check your child's credit report as an extra level of security and comfort.

The Identity Theft Resource Center cautions parents that they should be careful to determine whether ID theft indeed has occurred, because there are circumstances that appear to be identity theft but are not. Receiving a pre-approved credit card offer in your child's name might be upsetting as a parent; however, it might only be a marketing tool. A check of credit reports will help parents sort out the truth. Currently, all three reporting agencies are automated systems. Families should call them and request a credit report for your child. If you are told that there is no credit report, this most likely means no financial identity theft has occurred.

Credit Bureaus

• Equifax: P.O. Box 105069, Atlanta, GA 30348. Report fraud: Call (800) 525-6285.



• Experian: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013. Report fraud: Call (888) EXPERIAN (888-397-3742).



• Trans Union: P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834. Report fraud: (800) 680-7289.

You are entitled to a free credit report if:

• You are a victim of identity theft or you believe your child is a victim;
• You have been denied credit;
• You receive welfare benefits;
• You are unemployed and looking for employment.