Adults in the U.S. are becoming increasingly vigilant in protecting their identity. Credit monitoring services have become big business for that very reason. There's even a good chance that you've been to annualcreditreport.com to obtain free copies of your credit report from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. While you were there, did you happen to obtain copies of your child's credit report? If you are like most parents, the thought didn't even cross your mind.
Identity Thieves are beginning to target children under the age of 18 because the theft will often go undetected until that child reaches the age of consent and attempts to obtain credit for the first time. By that time, years may have gone by with a series of fraudulent accounts having gone delinquent or into collections.
Unfortunately, it seems as though many cases of child ID theft occur by someone who has contact with the child, (family members, teachers, coaches, etc). Parents are advised to keep their children's social security information as safe as possible and be cautious in providing it to others unless absolutely necessary. Parents should also request a free copy of their child's credit report every time they request their own at annualcreditreport.com.
Another option would be placing a freeze on your child's report so that no new credit can be established. There are currently 39-states that allow freezes to be placed, however, some require a minimal fee. (see: http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html)
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