TOP 3 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN FROM IDENTITY THEFT

Identity thieves prey on the vulnerable and unsuspecting.  Sadly, these low life identity crooks have recently targeted minors as easy targets for identify theft.

While many adults keep tabs on their own credit history by periodically reviewing their credit report, most take for granted that the credit histories of their minor children are spotless. However, a clean credit history makes an attractive victim for an identity thief.  The crime often goes undetected for years, only coming to light when the child moves on to adulthood and applies for credit in his or her own name.

You might ask “How can this happen?” Unfortunately, many credit accounts can be opened with little more than a name and a social security number. Although there are many benefits to having easy access to credit, this low barrier to credit means that signs of identity theft (like the applicant being under 18) are often overlooked. However, there are steps you can take to protect your child’s identify.

First, guard your child’s social security number. Keep their social security cards at home, under lock and key, and question whether it’s necessary to provide a social security number when filling out forms for schools and medical providers.

Second, be on the lookout for warning signs. If your child is receiving a pre-approved credit card application or other financial offers in the mail, their identity may have been compromised.

Lastly, request a copy of your child’s credit report. If one of the credit reporting agencies has a credit report on file for your child, he or she may have fallen victim to identity theft.  The credit reporting agencies don’t maintain credit reports for people that don’t have credit histories.

If you find that someone has stolen your child’s identity, seek the help of a professional. Your child’s financial future could be at stake.  At Credit Repair Lawyers of America, we help victims of identity theft, clean up their credit at no charge to them.  We charge our fees and costs to the Defendants, if we have to file a lawsuit.  Call or email Attorney Gary Nitzkin gary@crlam.com or toll free at (855) 956-2089 for a free, no obligation consultation.  The call is free and the advice is priceless.