MarketWatch today featured an interesting article about keeping your children’s identity safe. While child identity theft is still fairly rare, it is most commonly perpetrated by a relative or family friend. The damage isn’t usually spotted until the child turns eighteen and is turned down for a credit card because of a low credit score.
The article references the Identity Theft Resource Center’s tips for spotting signs of identity fraud. This includes finding pre-approved credit card offers in the mail addressed to your child and receiving suspicious collection calls. It also advises parents to check their children’s credit reports annually.
Ordering a child’s credit report isn’t easy though (and it shouldn’t be for obvious reasons). You shouldn’t try to order a credit report for a minor through the standard retail process. The best way to order a credit report for your child is to call the credit bureau fraud hotlines. The fraud reporting systems for Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-680-7289) and TransUnion (1-800-680-7289) include options for requesting a copy of your child’s credit report when you are concerned about identity theft.
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