With kids growing up on social media and personal data floating around the internet, it’s more important than ever to prevent child identity theft. Otherwise, your child’s private information can become another person’s payday before they even get their driver’s license.
Child identity theft for kids under 19 is on the rise. And unlike adult identity theft, it can go undetected for years. That makes your child’s Social Security number a perfect opportunity for fraudsters.
This guide breaks down exactly what child identity theft is, how to spot the warning signs, what you can do to protect your child, and the steps to take if it ever happens.
What is child identity theft?
Child identity theft happens when someone uses a child’s personal details—like their name, Social Security number, or date of birth—to commit fraud.
Usually, bad actors use this information to:
- Open credit cards
- Take out loans
- Apply for government benefits
- Rent apartments
- Get jobs under false identities
Because kids typically don’t use their credit files, they often don’t notice these activities until they apply for their first job, driver’s license, or student loan.
Why children are at risk, especially in a social media-driven world
Social media may feel like harmless fun, but the more your child is online, the more chances there are for identity thieves to strike. It is important to know how to protect your kids, because hackers, scammers, and even people known to your family (like acquaintances or caregivers) can piece together identifying details from online photos, captions, hashtags, and public profiles.
Some common ways people expose children’s information include:
- Posting birthday celebrations with location tags
- Sharing school names or uniforms
- Using your child’s real name publicly
- Data breaches from schools, pediatricians, or apps
Even well-meaning parents who do a lot of posting (sometimes called “sharents”), may accidentally overshare. Combine this with weak passwords or unsecured apps, and access to children’s sensitive data becomes easier than you think.
Talk with your kids about social media safety and equip them to prevent child identity theft.
Warning signs of child identity theft
To prevent child identity theft, you need to know what red flags to look for. While your child likely isn’t checking their credit reports yet, certain signs can signal trouble.
Watch for:
- Bills or credit card offers in your child’s name
- Calls from debt collectors for accounts you didn’t open
- IRS letters saying your child owes taxes or has already filed a return
- Denial of government benefits because they’re already being claimed
- Rejection for a bank account or driver’s license due to credit problems
If you notice anything unusual, don’t assume it’s a clerical mix-up. It’s better to investigate sooner rather than later.
How to prevent child identity theft: Practical steps
Thankfully, there are several clear steps you can take to prevent child identity theft, and most of them are simple habits you can start right now.
1. Freeze their credit
This is one of the strongest tools available. A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts using your child’s Social Security number. It’s free and doesn’t impact their future credit scores.
You’ll need to contact each of the three credit bureaus individually:
The credit bureaus will ask you to provide documents verifying your identity and your relationship to the child.
2. Limit social media sharing
Think carefully before posting anything about your child online. Oversharing makes it easy for bad actors. Avoid revealing your child’s full name, birth date, or school. If relatives want to post about your child, let them know your boundaries.
Also, set strong privacy settings on your account, disable location tags, and remove metadata from photos when possible.
3. Use secure, trusted apps and devices
Only allow your child to use age-appropriate apps with strong privacy protections. Check if the app collects and stores personal info.
Read through privacy policies (yes, even the fine print). If the app doesn’t need your child’s real data, don’t give it.
When they’re old enough to have their own devices, teach good security habits early. These include strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and locking their screens.
4. Teach privacy habits from the start
Your child may not need to know the ins and outs of identity fraud, but they should understand that personal info is valuable. Teach them to ask before sharing their name, address, or phone number online—even in gaming chats or direct messages.
Just like you teach them to look both ways when crossing the street, teach them to think twice before clicking “post.”
Here’s a detailed guide showing you how to talk to your kids about social media safety.
5. Safeguard physical documents
Birth certificates, Social Security cards, and medical records should all be locked in a secure place. Never carry your child’s Social Security card in your wallet, and shred any paperwork you no longer need.
6. Monitor for data breaches
Remain aware of major breaches involving schools, hospitals, or services your child uses. If there’s been a breach, take proactive steps immediately—change passwords, freeze credit, and watch for suspicious activity.
What to do if your child’s identity is stolen
Even with the best precautions, identity theft can still happen. If you suspect someone has targeted your child, here’s what you can do, step by step:
1. Check for a credit file
Children shouldn’t have a credit report. If they do, that’s a big red flag. Request a manual search of their name and Social Security number from the three major credit bureaus.
2. Report the theft
You can report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through IdentityTheft.gov. They’ll help guide you through recovery with a personalized plan.
3. Alert the credit bureaus
File a fraud alert or credit freeze through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert doesn’t lock the credit file, but it does make it harder for someone to open new accounts.
4. Contact any companies involved
If the IRS, a collection agency, or a bank has records tied to your child’s information, contact them directly. Provide proof that your child is a minor and wasn’t involved in any transactions.
5. File a police report (if needed)
If someone known to your family committed the identity theft, consider filing a police report. It can also help when working with creditors to wipe fraudulent records clean.
6. Keep records of everything
Save copies of all letters, reports, and emails. Take notes during any phone calls with financial institutions or agencies. A paper trail will help speed up resolution and protect your child’s future.
Your child’s future is worth protecting
Preventing child identity theft may feel overwhelming at first, but small steps make a big difference.
Every action you take to limit exposure, monitor their digital footprint, and lock down sensitive info helps build a wall of safety around your child’s identity.
By staying informed and proactive, you’re doing your very best to protect their future.
Final tips for long-term safety
- Review your child’s credit status each year (once they’re old enough)
- Talk openly about online safety and digital boundaries
- Stay up to date on privacy laws and cyber scams
- Ensure schools and care providers handle data responsibly
You have a better chance of preventing identity theft with a plan and focus—and in an internet-driven world, your awareness is your child’s strongest defense. It’s up to you.
If you’re not sure what information is already floating around online about your child or you, grab your free reputation report card. It will give you instant answers about what’s online and what people see when they search for your child’s name.
This post was contributed by Rockey Simmons, founder of SaaS Marketing Growth.