CLEAN CREDIT, DIRTY TRICKS — Why Your Child May Be the Victim of Identity Theft
Is there unexpected debt on your child’s credit report?
Learn why this happens, how identity theft plays a role, and what R23 Law's California Consumer Protection Attorneys can do to protect your family’s financial future.
When Debt Shows Up Before Your Child Even Turns 18
Most parents assume their children won’t have a credit report until they’re old enough to apply for a loan or credit card. But here’s the shocking truth: your child can have a credit report—and even debt on it—long before they reach adulthood. And if they do, identity theft is likely the culprit.
At R23 Law, we’ve seen how child identity theft wreaks havoc on families. Credit files built without consent. Fraudulent accounts opened under a child’s name. Years of damage before anyone even realizes there’s a problem. It’s more common than you think—and it’s deeply unfair.
Why Kids Are Prime Targets for Identity Theft
Children make ideal victims for identity thieves because their credit histories are blank slates. No payment history, no past delinquencies—just clean data ready for exploitation. These fraudulent activities often go undetected for years, only surfacing when your child applies for their first student loan, apartment, or job.
Identity thieves may use a child’s name and Social Security number to:
Open credit cards or bank accounts
Apply for government benefits
Take out loans
Rent property or even secure utilities
And because few parents check their child’s credit, this abuse can continue for years undetected.
How Does Debt Get On a Child’s Credit Report?
In most cases, fraudulent debt lands on a minor’s report because someone used their information to open an account without their knowledge. In some cases, a family member may even be involved. Other times, the child may be an “authorized user” on a parent’s credit card, and the associated debts reflect on their report.
There is no federal age restriction that prevents credit bureaus from compiling data about minors. That means unless proactive steps are taken, your child’s identity is vulnerable to misuse.
Immediate Actions You Should Take
If you've discovered that your child has a credit report or, worse, debt in their name, it's critical to act quickly. R23 Law's California Consumer Protection Attorneys recommend the following steps:
Freeze Their Credit
A credit freeze prevents creditors from accessing your child’s credit report entirely. This makes it significantly harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in their name.
📌 A credit freeze is more secure than a credit lock. The former is regulated by law and requires identity verification to lift.
Request Their Credit Reports
Contact all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and request a manual search for your child's credit file. If one exists, obtain a copy to assess the extent of the damage.
File a Police and FTC Identity Theft Report
Create an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a police report in your local jurisdiction. This documentation is crucial if you need to dispute fraudulent accounts.
Dispute Fraudulent Accounts in Writing
Send certified letters to the credit bureaus and creditors disputing each fraudulent account. Include copies of the FTC report and police report. Be specific and keep records of every interaction.
R23 Law’s Consumer Protection Team Knows How to Fight for Minors
Our attorneys don’t just understand credit law—we specialize in identity theft cases involving children. At R23 Law, our California Identity Theft Lawyers aggressively pursue removal of fraudulent data and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and California’s Identity Theft Laws.
We’ve recovered damages for clients harmed by unauthorized credit reporting, and we’re ready to do the same for your family.
Don’t Wait Until They Turn 18
Many parents don’t discover the fraud until their child is applying for college loans or trying to lease their first apartment. By then, the damage can feel irreversible. But with the right legal strategy, it can be fixed—and justice can be pursued.
Protecting your child’s financial future starts now.
📞 Schedule a Free Consultation
Let R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys review your child’s case. We’ll explain your legal options and outline a clear path to clean up their credit and safeguard their future.
📍 Serving all of California | 🌐 Multilingual Legal Support Available
