When a child’s identity is stolen, the information can be used for various fraudulent activities. Thieves might apply for government benefits like health care coverage or nutrition assistance using the child’s information. They could also open bank accounts or credit card accounts, apply for loans, sign up for utility services such as water or electricity, or even rent a place to live. These actions can severely impact a child’s credit and financial standing before they even reach adulthood.
If someone asks for your child’s social security number, it’s crucial to ask why they need it and how they will protect it. You should also inquire if they can use a different identifier or just the last four digits of the social security number in order to protect your child’s sensitive information.
To safeguard your child’s identity, consider taking preventative measures. Shred any documents containing sensitive information before disposing of them. If you’re no longer using a computer or cell phone, make sure to delete all data from the device. Additionally, freezing your child’s credit can make it significantly harder for someone to open new accounts in their name, providing an extra layer of protection.
Be alert to signs that someone might be using your child’s identity. If you receive communications about overdue bills for accounts you did not open, it could be a red flag. Similarly, being denied government benefits because someone is already using your child’s social security number, receiving a letter from the IRS about unpaid income taxes for your child, or being denied a student loan due to bad credit in your child’s name are all indicators of potential identity theft. If you discover that someone used your child’s information to open a credit card or cell phone account, or to set up utility services, immediately check to see if they have a credit report as this can signal that the child’s information has been compromised. Report any suspicious activity immediately to IdentityTheft.gov.
