Identity thieves could steal your child’s Social Security number, name, address, or date of birth to rack up large amounts of unpaid debt, resulting in a poor credit history before you even know that it is stolen. The good news is that you can take steps to protect your child’s identity and know how to spot warning signs that your child’s identity has been compromised.

Why steal a child’s identity?

  • It's easier than stealing an adult's identity, and a clean credit history can be lucrative.
  • Theft may not be realized for years.
  • SSN numbers may only be checked once a child applies for a driving permit or a job.

Preventing child identity theft

  • If your child’s school or another business or organization says it needs your child’s Social Security number for its records, stop and ask why. This tip of asking questions first is recommended by the FTC.
  • Store documents that contain your child’s personal information, such as their Social Security card or medical bills, in a secure place, such as a locked file cabinet.
  • Delete personal information from devices. 

Watch for warning signs

Keep an eye out for warning signs that your child’s personal information is being used by someone else. Warning signs include:

  • You’re denied health care coverage, nutrition assistance, or other government benefits because someone else is already receiving those benefits under your child’s name.
  • You receive collection calls for a bill under your child’s name for an account you didn’t open for the child.
  • The IRS sends a letter saying that your child owes income taxes. This may happen if someone used your child’s Social Security number on tax forms for a job.
  • You’re denied a student loan because of your child’s bad credit. This can happen when someone else opens a credit card, cell phone, utility, or other account and then doesn’t pay the bills.


Generally, a child under 16 won’t have a credit report – unless that child’s personal information is being used by someone else to commit identity theft fraud. The FTC recommends contacting the three major credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax – and asking for a manual search for your child’s Social Security number to see if a credit report turns up.  That way, you’ll have time to correct any identity theft fallout by the time they turn 18 and head to college or set out on their own.