Answers to Questions That Can Protect Your Child.

How do thieves use my child’s stolen identity?

Just like when a thief steals an adult’s identity, the most common danger is credit fraud. Criminals use your child’s personal information to get credit cards, loans, mortgages and other types of credit accounts that go unpaid for years.

How does credit fraud affect my child?

The most insidious thing about this crime is that it often goes unnoticed until a child reaches adulthood. The destruction isn’t discovered until the victim is:

  • Denied credit, a mortgage or student loan for college
  • Unable to open a bank or checking account
  • Denied a driver’s license, a lease, utility or phone service

Why don’t banks and creditors know that the applicant is a child?

Credit issuers may not have a way to verify the age of the person applying for credit. The information on the application is generally taken at face value. There is little sharing of information about the age of an applicant among the three national credit bureaus. The age given on the first application becomes the “official” age until a dispute is filed and proven.

Are there warning signs I should look for?

Yes. Be suspicious if your child receives any of the following:

  • Pre-approved credit card offers
  • Calls from a collection agency
  • Correspondence from the IRS, law enforcement, the DMV or utility companies

What can I do to reduce the risk?

Do not give out your child’s Social Security number unless absolutely necessary and teach your children not to give out personal information without your permission.

  • Monitor incoming mail in your child’s name.
  • Shred all documents containing your child’s Social Security number before disposing of them.
  • Do not carry your child’s Social Security card with you.
  • Include your children in the Debix Family Plan. Click on Sign Up and give yourself and your children the only identity protection solution that’s proven to work.

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