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.

How many kids get their identity stolen each year?

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, 1.3 million children's records are stolen every year. Foster children have an even greater risk as a percentage of all children. Self-reported data to the FTC indicates that over 22,833 identity theft victims were under the age of 19 in 2021.

What age is identity theft most common?

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 percentage of minors have had their identity stolen?

1 in 50 children is affected by child identity fraud, which costs U.S. families nearly $1 billion each year. Millennials account for 44% of U.S. identity fraud reports. There's a new victim of identity theft every 2 seconds. 118.6 million individuals had their records exposed in data breaches during the first half of ...

Can children get their identities stolen?

ID Theft Resources

The FTC reported fewer than 14,000 cases of identity theft in 2017 involving people 19 and under. So while the numbers aren't huge, child identity theft does happen, and it can present serious issues for victims and their parents.

How Child Identity Theft Happens

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.

How do I know if my child's SSN is stolen?

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.

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.

What are the 3 most common causes of identity theft?

Who is most at risk for identity theft?

Why would someone steal a child's identity?

But why would an identity thief come after your child? Unfortunately, scammers have discovered that they can use your child's sensitive information — name, date of birth, and Social Security number (SSN) — to take out credit cards, open loans, and more.

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 are the red flags that may indicate identity theft?

appear to be forged or altered; Personal identifying information (i.e., photograph, physical description) on the identification does not match the individual presenting the information; Address or name does not match the information on the identification and/or insurance card(s), credit card(s), etc.

How many kids have had their identity stolen?

According to a new study by Javelin, identity theft affects 1.25 million kids — or about 1 out of 50 children — every year. Before baby is out of diapers, they could have a credit card and home loan in their name that you don't even know about.

How common is identity theft 2022?

For the first half of 2022, the FTC reported that credit card fraud had again become the most common type of identity theft reported in the country, generating 230,937 complaints, out of a total of 603,591 identity theft incidents reported nationwide for the six-month period.

Is identity theft the fastest growing crime?

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country. It occurs when someone obtains credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, bank account information or other personal identification information and uses them to commit fraud or deception.

What are 3 of the warning signs of identity theft?

What are the top states for identity theft?

According to the FTC, not only is Rhode Island the top state in the nation with the most identity theft, but it's also home to the number one metro area in the country with the most identity theft reports. In 2021, Providence reported 1,981 identity theft reports per 100,000 residents.

What does identity theft usually begin with?

Identity theft usually begins when your personal data is exposed through hacking, phishing, data breaches, or other means. Next, a criminal makes use of your exposed information to do something illegal, such as opening an account in your name.

What are the top three victim age ranges of identity theft?

In the US, the most common victims of identity theft are aged 30-39 years old. This is closely followed by those aged 40-49 years old. The least likely age group to fall victim to identity theft by raw numbers are 80+.

What is the most common method of identity theft?

Is identity theft taken seriously?

Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.

How can I tell if my child's identity has been stolen?

How to put a lock on your child Social Security number for taxes?

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 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.