Released: June 15, 2022

What parents need to know about child ID theft

Source: Tatum Hunter, Washington Post (Paid Registration)

Kids usually don’t find out they’ve been victims of identity theft until they take a big life step like applying for federal student aid or buying their first car, says the Identity Threat Resource Center. The impact of ID theft on young adults can be devastating: credit scores trashed, financial aid withheld and even employment denied.

What can you do to prevent child identity theft?  Freeze your child’s credit with each of the major credit agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.  About 3 out of 4 victims of child identity theft know the perpetrator personally.  Protect your child’s foundational identity documents — including their birth certificate, Social Security card and insurance cards.

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