Child Identity theft

Identity theft involving minors occurs when a child’s personally identifiable information (PII) is used by another
individual for personal or financial gain. Often it is the  child’s Social Security number (SSN) that is used and
matched with a different name and birth date.

While some child identity theft victims don’t discover an  issue until they are considered an adult, a minor child’s
parent/guardian may be the first to see signs that there  may be a problem.

Warning Signs: How a parent/guardian might come  to suspect an identity theft issue
Some indications that a child’s identity may have been used without authorization will arrive by mail or perhaps
phone call. They include:
–  An “Explanation of Benefits” statement from a medical  insurer describing services not received by the child referenced
-Unsolicited credit card offers addressed to a minor child
-Credit card bills or account statements addressed to a  minor
-Collection notices addressed to a minor
– Notice of a criminal offense or court date unrelated to  the child’s own activity

If the child is denied access to any of the following, it may  also be an indication that their PII was misused:
– Driver’s license
-Social Security or welfare benefits
-Utility or phone services
-Banking privileges
-Employment opportunities