Kids are victims, too. More than 1 million children were victims of identity theft or fraud last year, according to a new report from Javelin Strategy & Research. Two-thirds of those victims were age 7 or younger.

How can I check if someone is using my child’s Social Security number?

First, you need to check with the Social Security Administration once a year to make sure no one is using your child’s SSN. Secondly, you need to check your child’s credit report (free – Equifax -1-800-525-6285; Experian-1-888-397-3742; TransUnion-1-800-680-7289.) You can also report fraud to them.

What percent of identity theft involves a child’s Social Security number?

2,875 or 10.7% of children had someone else using their Social Security numbers. this is an increase of . 5% from the 10.2% rate reported in the 2011 report. the rate of identity theft for children was 35 times higher than the rate for adults in the same population.

Who is most at risk for identity theft?

Most Affected Groups Consumers between the ages of 40 and 69 are reporting identity theft at higher rates, suggesting a growing awareness of this crime—and vulnerability.

How do I protect my child’s identity?

Are My Children at Risk Of Identity Theft?

1. Highlights:
2. Check your child’s credit reports.
3. Consider a free security freeze.
4. Consider a credit monitoring product.
5. Keep your child’s documents in a safe place.
6. Don’t share your child’s personal information unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Can I put a block on my child’s Social Security number?

No you cannot. If someone else tries to use your child’s SSN and your return gets rejected because of that, you have to file your return by mail. The IRS will then contact both parties to determine who had the legal right to claim the child.

What do you do when your child’s identity is stolen?

If you discover that someone is using your child’s personal information, here’s what to do right away:

1. Step 1: Report and close the fraudulent accounts. Contact the companies where fraud happened.
2. Step 2: Freeze your child’s credit report.
3. Step 3: Report child identity theft.

How to report suspected tax fraud or identity theft?

Visit Identity Theft Central if you think someone stole your identity and used your Social Security number for employment or could use it to file a tax return. You can also visit Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft. We don’t take tax law violation referrals over the phone.

What happens if a child is a victim of identity theft?

If the theft resulted in earnings being misattributed to you or your child, that will negatively affect the prospect of receiving financial aid. And, since most minors don’t check their credit reports, they may not know they’ve been a victim of identity theft until they’ve already applied.

What are the cases of fraud in the family?

“The cases I see often involve a son or daughter or grandchild who convinces the elder to hand over money again and again by using different stories or who offers to help with bill paying and then drains money from the elder’s bank account.

How much money was taken from a fraud victim?

Using the forfeiture laws, federal agents seized her bank accounts as well as a GMC Yukon, which was bought with $32,000 of the victim’s money, along with tens of thousands of dollars worth of clothing.