Protecting Minors from Fraud

Minors, under 18, often do not have a credit report, but they are at risk of identity theft. Parents should safeguard their children's financial future.

Please keep in mind the following information to protect your child's identity:

1. Be cautious of collection notices or calls for products or services in your child's name.
2. If you receive a notice declaring that your child owes back income tax or their identifying information was used on multiple tax returns, take it seriously.
3. Watch out for marketing offers arriving in your child's name, as this could mean an account was opened at a financial institution in your child's name.
4. Share your child's private identifying information sparingly and carefully. If you are asked to share that information, including their Social Security number, make sure to ask and understand how it will be used.
5. Request a credit report in your child's name from the credit reporting bureaus. Each bureau has its own process, and it will take some time, but it will be worth it.
6. If you find a report in your child's name, request a fraud alert and consider placing a credit freeze.
7. Contact your local police department or Attorney General's Office to file a report of identity theft and request a copy of any report generated.

If you find any financial institution or business listed on your child's report, explain that the account was opened due to theft and request that it be closed. You may need to produce documentation from the credit bureaus and law enforcement.

It is important to keep a detailed record of all phone calls and documents received, as they may be required in the future.

Check Your Child's Credit.

To ensure the safety of your child's credit, it's important to request a credit report in their name from the credit reporting bureaus. Each bureau has its own process, which may take some time, but it'll be worth it in the end.

If you find a report in your child's name, request a fraud alert and consider placing a credit freeze to further safeguard their credit. In case of identity theft, it's advisable to contact your local police department or Attorney General's Office to file a report and request a copy of the generated report.

It's also essential to contact any financial institution and business listed on your child's report and explain that the account was opened due to theft. You may need to produce documentation from the credit bureaus and law enforcement. In addition, it's a good idea to keep a detailed list of any phone calls made and/or documents received, as you may need to produce them later.