Skip to Content

It’s challenging enough to stay vigilant about protecting your own identity. But if you have children, you need to actively protect their identity, too. In fact, a Carnegie Mellon University study says children are actually 51 times more likely than adults to have their identity stolen. And when it happens, it can take years to become aware of child identity theft.

Fortunately, there are some tell-tale warning signs that show you your child’s identity has been compromised. Let’s take a look at the warning signs of child identity theft.

Receiving Communication from the IRS   

If you receive a letter, past-due notice or other communication addressed to your child from the IRS, there’s a good chance their identity has been stolen. Although you claim your children on your taxes, they don’t file themselves. So there’s no reason for the IRS to contact them directly. If you receive any such communication, contact the IRS immediately for additional details.

Getting Collection Calls or Past-due Notices

Another worrisome sign of child identity theft is if you start to receive past-due notices in the mail or phone calls from debt collectors. Cross-check with your own accounts first to ensure there’s not an error. If your accounts check out OK, you’ll want to look into the possibility that your child’s identity is compromised.

Being Rejected for Government Benefits or Student Loans

If you apply for any type of government benefits for your child and receive a rejection notice, it can be a sign that someone is already using their social security number to receive benefits. The same goes for student loans. If your family meets the financial requirements for student aid, but receives a rejection notice, someone may already be taking out loans using your child’s information.

Receiving Pre-Approved Credit Offers

Sure, kids love getting mail. But if your child starts receiving offers for pre-approved credit cards, you have a problem. It’s another common sign that someone else has used your child’s Social Security number to fraudulently obtain credit.

Should you notice any of these warning signs, or suspect your child’s identity has been stolen for any other reason, the first thing to do is contact each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) to see if your child has a credit report. If a credit report exists, request copies so you can review them. If it appears your child’s identity has been stolen, file a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Create an identity theft report.

Additionally, you’ll want to let one of the credit reporting agencies know about the fraud. (You only have to alert one agency, they will inform the other two.) You may also wish to freeze your child’s credit.

woman working on balancing budget

Struggling with Credit Card Debt?

A debt management plan can help:
  • Consolidate monthly payments
  • Lower interest rates
  • Eliminate collection calls

Related Posts

New Twists on Old Financial Scams

While it’s true financial scams and fraud  happen throughout the year, scammers are especially active during the holiday season because they know people are busy and feeling stressed, which leaves them vulnerable to being caught off guard. Fortunately, it’s easy to spot a scam if you stay on guard and know what to look for. […]

Read More

How to Use Mobile Payment Apps Safely

Using mobile payment apps, also known as peer-to-peer payment apps, has become a routine part of most people’s financial lives. Being able to quickly and easily transfer and receive money among friends and family is a game-changer. And payment apps make conducting transactions with small businesses much more convenient. But just as with all financial […]

Read More

Steer Clear of Gift Card Scams

With gift cards once again topping the list of most-requested holiday gifts, there’s a good chance you’ll be shopping for at least one of them this holiday season. Unfortunately, gift cards have become very popular with scammers and thieves as well. Here are some ways you can avoid gift card scams and help ensure the […]

Read More

Call 866-528-0588

Or schedule a call now
Please complete the required fields to continue.
Now Later
By requesting a review you are agreeing to communications from Take Charge America via email, phone and SMS messaging. You can opt out at any time.