Protecting Your Child’s Future: Understanding What is Child Identity Theft

Girlie Defensor

Updated: July 14, 2023

SHARE:

Child identity theft is a growing concern with the increased internet use and other digital platforms where personal information is often shared without proper security measures. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, children are 51 times more likely to be victims of identity theft than adults. 

Cybercriminals often target minors because their credit history is clean, and their personal information is less likely to have been compromised. 

Parents and caregivers must know how to keep the internet safe for their children. They must also be aware of the risks of identity theft and take steps to protect their children’s personal and financial information. 

In this article, you will read about child identity theft, how it happens, and what parents can do to safeguard their children’s identities.

What is Child Identity Theft?

Child identity theft refers to the act of stealing a minor’s personal identifying information for fraudulent purposes. This type of crime can go undetected for years, causing significant financial and credit damage to the child’s future.

According to Javelin Strategy’s Child Identity Fraud Study, in 2021, one in every 50 children fell victim to identity theft, resulting in nearly $1 billion in costs for families in the United States annually. 

Child identity theft can take on various forms and sizes. Despite having fewer bank accounts or credit lines, children possess a wealth of personal data that scammers can exploit. 

Fraudsters can steal social media login credentials, social security numbers, and other sensitive information. With compromised login details and passwords, they can access other online accounts. 

If thieves possess your child’s social security number, they can open new accounts under your child’s name.

Common Techniques Thieves Use to Steal Your Child’s Information

Thieves use various techniques to steal a child’s personal information. Understanding the common methods used by these criminals can help parents take steps to protect their children from identity theft.

The following are some common techniques that fraudsters use to obtain personal information:

• Phishing scams: These scams entail scammers tricking individuals into giving up their personal information through email or telephone.
• Hacking: Hackers always try to infiltrate large systems to access user data. Your child’s personal information could be compromised if the large organization they have an account with gets hacked.
• Family theft: Regrettably, many child identity thefts happen within families. Family members can steal important documents and open accounts in children’s names, and their proximity can make it difficult to detect. 

Parents can proactively protect their children’s identity and future by understanding these common techniques.

How to Prevent Child Identity Theft?

It’s important to take a proactive approach when protecting your child’s personal information online. Once a fraudster steals your child’s information, it can be nearly impossible to recover. 

Here are some measures you can take to protect your child’s identity from thieves:

• Take steps to freeze your child’s credit.
• Teach your kids to safeguard their personal information when online.
• Keep your child’s Social Security number private at all times.
• Use parental controls to monitor and limit online activity.
• Limit the number of accounts and services in your child’s name.
• Be cautious about sharing personal information online.
• Secure your child’s mobile devices with strong passwords and other security measures.
• Wipe old devices clean before disposing of them.
• Keep physical documents with your child’s personal information in a safe place.

By taking the necessary steps to safeguard your child’s personal information, you can help ensure that your child’s sensitive information remains secure.

Steps To Take if Someone Is Using Your Child’s Personal Information

If you discover that someone is using your child’s personal information, here’s what to do right away:

Step 1: Report and Close Fraudulent Accounts

Notify the companies where the fraud occurred. Inform their fraud department that someone opened an account using your child’s information and request an account closure. 

Obtain written confirmation that confirms your child isn’t responsible for the account. Then, inform the three credit bureaus that someone opened an account using your child’s information. Request that they eliminate any fraudulent accounts from your child’s credit report.

Step 2: Freeze Your Child’s Credit Report

If your child is below 16, you can request a free credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, which makes it harder for someone to open new accounts using your child’s name. The freeze remains in place until you request removal from the credit bureaus.

To initiate a credit freeze, contact each of the three credit bureaus. Obtain their contact information from IdentityTheft.gov.

Step 3: Report Child Identity Theft

File a child identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. Include as many details as possible.

If you suspect someone is using your child’s personal information, it’s important to take immediate action to protect them from further harm. Filing a child identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission can help you restore your child’s credit and reputation.

Wrap-up: Securing Your Child’s Identity

Child identity theft is a growing concern that parents and caregivers must take seriously. The internet has provided a platform for scammers and fraudsters to steal personal information and exploit vulnerable children. 

As discussed in this article, thieves use various techniques to obtain personal information, including phishing scams, hacking, and family theft. However, parents can proactively protect their children’s identity and prevent identity theft. 

Suppose someone is using your child’s personal information. In that case, it’s important to take immediate action to report and close fraudulent accounts and file a child identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission. 

By taking these steps, parents can help ensure their children’s sensitive information remains secure and protect their future financial well-being.