As parents, we work hard to keep our children safe—locking doors, using car seats, and teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street. But one invisible threat often goes unnoticed: identity theft. Children’s Social Security numbers and personal information are highly valuable to fraudsters because they offer a clean slate for opening fraudulent accounts. By the time the fraud is discovered—often years later when the child applies for a first credit card or student loan—the damage can be extensive.

So, how can you protect your child’s identity from being stolen? Here’s what you need to know and do.

Why Are Children Targeted?

Criminals target children because their credit history is untouched, making it easy to use their Social Security numbers to open credit cards, apply for loans, or even commit tax fraud. Since most parents don’t check their child’s credit report, identity theft can go undetected for years. This gives fraudsters ample time to rack up debt in the child’s name before the crime is ever discovered.

Warning Signs of Child Identity Theft

Since children don’t use credit, it’s important to be on the lookout for red flags that indicate their identity has been compromised. Warning signs include:

• Receiving pre-approved credit card offers in your child’s name.
• Calls from debt collectors about accounts they never opened.
• Problems when applying for government benefits because their Social Security number is already in use.
• Being denied for a first credit card or student loan due to bad credit history.

How to Protect Your Child’s Identity

Taking proactive steps now can help prevent identity theft from harming your child’s future. Here’s what parents can do:

1. Safeguard Personal Information

• Store your child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, and other sensitive documents in a safe place.
• Never share their Social Security number unless absolutely necessary. If a school, doctor, or organization asks for it, inquire about why it’s needed and how it will be protected.
• Teach your children not to share personal information online or with strangers.

2. Monitor for Unauthorized Activity

• Regularly check your child’s credit report by contacting the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to see if a report exists. If there is one, it could be a sign of fraud.
• Watch for any mail or financial offers in your child’s name that seem suspicious.

3. Freeze Their Credit

A credit freeze is one of the best ways to prevent identity thieves from opening accounts in your child’s name. You can request a free credit freeze for your child with each of the three credit bureaus. This prevents anyone—including fraudsters—from accessing their credit file until you choose to lift the freeze.

4. Be Cautious with Online Activity

• Teach your children about online privacy and the importance of not sharing personal details on social media or gaming platforms.
• Use parental controls and cybersecurity measures to protect their devices from phishing scams and malware that could steal sensitive data.

What to Do If Your Child’s Identity Is Stolen

If you suspect your child’s identity has been compromised, take action immediately:

1. Check their credit report to confirm fraudulent activity.
2. Contact the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to report the fraud and request a credit freeze or fraud alert.
3. Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov to begin the recovery process.
4. Notify any affected companies (banks, lenders, or credit card issuers) to close fraudulent accounts.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe

Protecting your child’s identity requires ongoing attention, but the effort is well worth it. By keeping their personal information secure, monitoring for signs of fraud, and taking action when needed, you can help safeguard their financial future.

At Consumers National Bank, we are committed to helping families stay safe from fraud. If you have concerns about identity theft or need assistance in securing your financial information, contact us today. Let’s work together to keep your child’s future secure!