Warning Signs

Several signs can tip you off to the fact that someone is misusing your child’s personal information and committing fraud. For example, you or your child might:

• be turned down for government benefits because the benefits are being paid to another account using your child’s Social Security number
• get a notice from the IRS saying the child didn’t pay income taxes, or that the child’s Social Security number was used on another tax return
• get collection calls or bills for products or services you didn’t receive

Check for a Credit Report

If you think your child’s information is at risk, check whether your child has a credit report.

Repair the Damage

Contact Companies Where Fraud Occurred

Tell the fraud department someone opened a fraudulent account using your child’s identity. Ask them to close the account and send you a letter confirming your child isn’t liable. If needed, send a letter explaining your child is a minor who can’t enter into contracts. Attach a copy of your child’s birth certificate.

Contact the Credit Bureaus

Ask the credit bureaus to remove any fraudulent accounts from your child’s credit report. Tell them your child is a minor who can’t enter into contracts. Include a copy of the child’s birth certificate.

Consider a Child Credit Freeze

You can freeze a child's credit until the child is old enough to use it.

The credit freeze restricts access to your child’s credit file, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your child’s name.

Report Identity Theft to the FTC

Go to IdentityTheft.gov or call 877-ID-THEFT.

Prevention = Protection

You can take steps to protect your child’s identity from misuse:

Find a safe location for all paper and electronic records that show your child’s personal information.

Don’t share your child’s Social Security number unless you know and trust the other party. Ask why it’s necessary and how it will be protected. Ask if you can use a different identifier, or use only the last four digits of your child’s Social Security number.

Shred all documents that show your child’s personal information before throwing them away.

Be aware of events that put information at risk. For example, there’s an adult in your household who might want to use a child’s identity to start over; you lose a wallet, purse or paperwork that has your child’s Social Security information; there’s a break-in at your home; or a school, doctor’s office or business notifies you that your child’s information was affected by a data breach.

Limiting the Risks of Child Identity Theft

Laws safeguard your child and your family's personal information. For example, the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), enforced by the U.S. Department of Education, protects the privacy of student records. It also gives parents of school-age kids the right to opt-out of sharing contact or other directory information with third parties, including other families.

If you're a parent with a child who's enrolled in school:

Find Out Who Has Access to Your Child’s Personal Information

Verify that the records are kept in a secure location.

Pay Attention to Forms from School

Forms that ask for personal information may come home with your child, or you may get them through the mail or by email. Look for terms like "personally identifiable information," "directory information," and "opt-out." Find out how your child’s information will be used, whether it will be shared, and with whom.

Read the Notices from Your Child’s School

Your school will send home an annual notice that explain explains your rights under FERPA, including your right to:

• inspect and review your child's education records
• approve the disclosure of personal information in your child’s records
• ask to correct errors in the records

Ask Your Child’s School About its Directory Information Policy

Student directory information can include your child's name, address, date of birth, telephone number, email address, and photo. If you want to opt-out of the release of directory information to third parties, it’s best to put your request in writing and keep a copy for your files. If you don't opt-out, directory information may be available to the people in your child's class and school, and to the general public.

Ask for a Copy of Your School’s Policy on Surveys

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment gives you the right to see surveys and instructional materials before they are distributed to students.

Consider Other Programs That Take Place at the School

Your child may participate in programs, like sports and music activities, that aren't formally sponsored by the school. These programs may have web sites where children are named and pictured. Read the privacy policies of these organizations to find out if — and how — your child's information will be used and shared.

Take Action if Your Child’s School Experiences a Data Breach

Your child’s school or the school district may notify you of a data breach. If not, and you believe your child's information has been compromised, contact the school to learn more. Talk with teachers, staff, or administrators about the incident and their practices. Keep a written record of your conversations. Write a letter to the appropriate administrator, and to the school board, if necessary.

File a Complaint

You may file a written complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. Contact the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202-5920, and keep a copy for your records. Visit the Deparment's website to learn more about FERPA.

Additional Rights

You may have additional rights under state law: contact your state attorney general for details.

When Your Child Turns 16

It’s a good idea to check whether your child has a credit report close to the child’s 16th birthday. If there is one — and it has errors due to fraud or misuse — you will have time to correct it before the child applies for a job, a loan for tuition or a car, or needs to rent an apartment. Also, if you placed a credit freeze, you'll need to lift it before the child applies for any new credit.

Credit Bureau Contact Information