Protecting Children's Identities
Children's identities are attractive to fraudsters because misuse can go unnoticed for years. How child identity theft happens, the warning signs, and practical protections for parents.
A child's identity is valuable to fraudsters precisely because nobody is watching it. A child will not apply for credit for years, so an account opened with their details may go unnoticed until they apply for a student loan, a phone contract or their first job. Parents can make that much harder with a few habits.
How it happens
- Data breaches at schools, clinics or activity providers.
- Lost or stolen documents: birth certificates, passports, ID cards.
- Oversharing online: full names, birthdays, schools. See what not to post.
- Synthetic identity fraud using a child's ID number. See synthetic identity fraud.
- Sometimes, someone the family knows.
Warning signs
- Letters addressed to your child about credit, bills or collections.
- Tax or benefit notices about your child's income.
- Being told your child already has a credit record or a claim in their name.
Protections for parents
- Share ID numbers only when necessary, and ask schools and clubs why they need them and how they protect them.
- Store documents securely and shred old forms. See shredding documents.
- Freeze your child's credit where available; in the US, parents can request freezes for under-16s.
- Limit what you post about children: full names, birthdays, schools and locations.
- Check for a credit record when your child turns 16 or so, where your country allows, so there is time to fix problems.
Talk to older children too. Teenagers can be tricked into sharing their details or "lending" their bank accounts. See teenagers and online scams.
If your child's identity was misused
Contact the organizations involved, report identity theft to your national service, and keep records. See reporting identity theft.
Got a letter addressed to your child that seems wrong? Paste the text into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check, then contact the organization directly.
For more, read our guide to identity theft and account security.
Frequently asked questions
Why would anyone steal a child's identity?
Because children have clean records and nobody checks them for years, so fraudsters can use their details to open accounts or create synthetic identities without being noticed.
Can I freeze my child's credit?
In the United States, parents can request a credit freeze for children under 16. Other countries have different options; ask your national credit bureaus.
What are the warning signs?
Letters addressed to your child about credit, bills or collections, tax notices, or being refused benefits because the child's number is already in use.
Sources
- How To Protect Your Child From Identity Theft, US Federal Trade Commission
- Protecting Your Child's Privacy Online, US Federal Trade Commission
- Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts, US Federal Trade Commission
