How can child identity theft occur?

Child identity theft can happen when the child's Social Security number is stolen and used to commit fraud. A thief might use a child's Social Security number to build a credit file over the course of years—in effect, creating a false identity.

How common is child identity theft?

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. But criminals don't only target adults with credit cards, solid credit scores, or savings accounts. According to Javelin Strategy's 2021 Child Identity Fraud study, one in 50 children were the victims of identity theft last year.

What are 4 ways identity theft can occur?

This can happen through a variety of means, including hacking, fraud and trickery, phishing scams, mail theft, and data breaches.

How do I find out if my child's Social Security number is being used?

Contact the three major credit bureaus and ask for them to check for files relating to your child's name and social security number. Note: Only parents/guardians of children may ask to see a child's credit file.

How does identity theft usually happen?

There are a number of ways identity thieves may obtain your personal information. Fraudsters may dig through mail or trash in search of credit card or bank statements. Unsecured web sites or public Wi-Fi may allow identity thieves to access your information electronically.

Child identity theft can go undetected for years

What are the 3 most common causes of identity theft?

What are 3 ways someone can steal your identity?

How do I lock my child's Social Security number?

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).

How do you check if my child's identity has been stolen?

How do I know if someone else claimed my child on taxes?

Answer when the IRS contacts you

You may receive a letter (CP87A) from us, stating your child was claimed on another return.

What are 5 ways your identity can be stolen?

What are the 5 common types of identity theft?

Driver's License Identity Theft. Mail Identity Theft. Online Shopping Fraud. Social Security Number Identity Theft.

What is the most common source of identity theft?

Financial identity theft

This is the most common form of identity theft (including the credit card example described above). Financial identity theft can take multiple forms, including: Fraudsters may use your credit card information to buy things. We all love to shop online — even criminals.

At what age does a child start to form an identity?

By ages 2 or 3, children begin to define themselves and others by physical attributes, such as hair color or eye color. They show a preference for people who are familiar and who have characteristics similar to their own.

Why are minors a major target for identity theft?

Kids have a hard time distinguishing between good and bad intentions when they meet people on the internet, says Kelly Merryman, president and chief operating officer of digital safety company Aura. Sometimes they disclose information that's useful to identity thieves.

What is the largest age group targeted for identity theft?

In 2021, the most targeted age group for identity theft were 30 to 39 year olds, among whom 308,910 cases were reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States. The second most targeted age group were those aged 40 to 49, with 266,269 cases of identity theft reported.

What are 2 warning signs that your identity may have been stolen?

How do I red flag my child's Social Security number?

Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies (Transunion, Equifax, or Experian). You can call or email, but we recommend you use the online reporting options each service makes available. After a few days, check with the other two credit bureaus to verify that they've received the fraud alert as well.

Can a child's SSN be stolen?

Adults are not the only targets of identity theft. In fact, children under the age of 18 can also become victims. Child identity theft happens when someone uses a minor child's personal information, such as name and Social Security number, usually to obtain credit or employment.

What group of children are most likely to be victims of identity theft?

Children in foster care may be particularly vulnerable.

Children in foster care may be particularly vulnerable to identity theft because they may not have a permanent address and their personal information is often shared among several adults and agencies.

How do I stop someone from claiming my child on their taxes?

Neither you nor the IRS can stop someone from filing a tax return with your child as a dependent.

What are the top 10 ways that thieves steal your identity?

What information is needed for someone to steal your identity?

What they want are account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that they can use to loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards. Identity thieves can take out loans or obtain credit cards and even driver's licenses in your name.

What are the examples of red flags for identity theft?

Red Flags are suspicious patterns or practices, or specific activities that indicate the possibility of identity theft. For example, if a customer has to provide some form of identification to open an account with your company, an ID that doesn't look genuine is a “red flag” for your business.

Who is at highest risk for identity theft?

Do you know the biggest targets of identity theft? The answer may surprise you – while everyone should be aware of identity theft, children and the elderly are at an especially high risk of becoming victims.