Thieves like to go after a child’s information because typically nobody is expecting a child’s identity to be stolen – and it may take years for the theft to be discovered. In many cases, when the minor turns 18, they’re left with trying to fix a slew of financial or legal issues tied to credit problems.
Here are some effective and relatively easy steps you can take to prevent child identity theft.
- Periodically contact one of the three credit reporting companies on your child’s behalf to determine if a credit report has been established in their name. Even if it is still intact, check again in a year or so.
- Find a safe location for all paper and electronic records that show your child’s personal information – and shred any of these documents before you throw them away.
- Don’t share your child’s Social Security number unless you know and trust the other party. Ask why it’s necessary and how it will be protected.
- Learn about the laws that protect your children, such as federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy of student records.
