STOLEN BEFORE THEY EVEN APPLY FOR CREDIT — How Child Identity Theft Happens and What You Can Do
What Is Child Identity Theft — and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Identity theft doesn’t just target adults. In fact, one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud in California involves children's stolen identities — often going undetected until years later, when a young adult is denied for a student loan or credit card.
Thieves target children because their clean records are a blank slate — no credit history, no tax records, no flags. A Social Security number can be used to open bank accounts, take out loans, apply for credit cards, and even buy property, often without triggering alerts for years.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys help families respond quickly and legally when a child’s identity has been stolen — even if it was a relative or trusted caregiver who committed the fraud.
How Identity Thieves Steal From Kids
They impersonate authority figures online to gain a child’s trust.
They harvest personal information from social media or gaming platforms.
In many cases, they are family members with access to documents like birth certificates or Social Security cards.
Once that data is in the wrong hands, it can be used to:
Open credit cards
Secure car loans or mortgages
Apply for government benefits
Evade arrest by creating a false identity
Because children don’t apply for credit, the theft often isn’t discovered until years later — and by then, the financial damage can be severe.
How to Protect Your Child from Identity Theft
Keep personal documents secure
Store Social Security cards, birth certificates, and insurance records in a safe place — not in backpacks, drawers, or your email inbox.Monitor your child’s credit
Children under 18 should have no credit report. If you find one, it’s a red flag. All three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — allow parents to check for free annually.Freeze their credit if necessary
If a fraudulent file exists, you can freeze it to prevent further use.Teach online safety early
Talk with your child about avoiding oversharing online, how to set strong passwords, and what to do if someone online asks for personal information.Consider monitoring services
These tools can alert you to suspicious activity tied to your child’s Social Security number or identity.
What to Do If You Suspect Child Identity Theft
If your child’s information has been used fraudulently:
Contact all three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert and freeze the account.
File a police report and FTC complaint to support identity fraud claims.
Call any creditors involved in fraudulent activity and request account closures.
Reset passwords and logins if your child’s email or device was compromised.
These steps can help stop the damage and protect your child’s identity moving forward.
Can You Take Legal Action?
Yes — especially if the identity theft was facilitated by a financial institution, credit bureau, or negligent third party, or if your child’s information was improperly stored or shared. R23 Law has helped families:
Hold negligent parties accountable
Pursue compensation for credit repair and emotional distress
Enforce consumer protection laws under both state and federal statutes
Contact R23 Law Today
📞 Toll-Free: 310-598-1588
📩 Schedule a consultation
👨👩👧 Meet Our Team | About R23 Law
You don’t have to navigate child identity theft alone. Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys are here to help protect your family’s future — and fight back against those who stole it.
