Child Identity Theft
When a person hears of a case of identity theft, they normally think that the victim is an adult. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Child identity theft has been on the rise since 1989 when infants and toddlers started being issued Social Security numbers. This type of identity theft is attractive to thieves because the theft is rarely noticed until the victims are adults. There are many places that a thief can obtain a child's Social Security number. The child's Social Security number is not only used for the parents to obtain a tax deduction but is often required by schools, medical and insurance companies and financial institutions for proof of identity. Once the thief obtains the child's Social Security number, they are able to obtain credit cards, driver's licenses or open accounts. Most times the stolen identity is sold for use by illegal immigrants or individuals avoiding arrest and attempting to restart their lives.
There have also been reports of a scam where parents have received e-mails supposedly from the IRS requesting Social Security numbers for their children. The IRS does not initiate a request for personal taxpayer information via e-mail. Getting this request in an e-mail may be an attempt at identity theft.
If you find that your child's identity has been stolen, there are things that you can do about it. The Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit advocacy group based in San Diego, suggests these steps to take control of the damage.
1. Contact the credit issuers. They will direct you to the correct area to speak with fraud investigators.
2. Keep a log. Make a list of all people that you have spoken to regarding the situation and be sure to get their names and titles. Summarize the conversation.
3. Request copies. Be sure to get copies of any applications and transaction records available so they can be provided to the police.
4. Get a police report. "The police report is what offers the victim some protection in that a victim of this crime cannot be held liable for the fraudulent charges," says Steve Frasher, spokesman for the Riverside Police Department in Riverside, Calif. Send the police report to the credit agencies so they can restore the credit files.
Depending on who is using your child's information, you may want to get an attorney. The Identity Theft Resource Center advises that if the offender is a parent or relative, or if the situation is related to a custody or divorce issue, a family lawyer may be best.
With child identity theft an increasing problem, representatives of collection and credit agencies, law enforcement officials and advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to create laws with stronger penalties for those who victimize children.
California has adopted Chapter 387, Florida, chapter 32 and Illinois Public Act 94-0944 to take action against child identity theft. Virginia, Wyoming and Nevada have adopted similar acts. There are still many more states that need to get on board if the battle against child identity theft is going to be won.
