How to Protect a Child's Social Security Number

Protecting a child's Social Security number lowers the risk of identity theft, in which a stranger assumes the child's name and obtains credit usinsg the name. Children who are victims of identity theft may not be aware of the situation until they are adults and attempt to secure their own credit. Parents can take several preventative steps to secure a child's Social Security number and to protect a child against identity theft.

Instructions

1

Keep your child's Social Security card, and other important documents, in a safe. Do not travel with these documents.

2

Do not give out your child's Social Security number needlessly. The Social Security Administration suggests asking questions before giving out a Social Security number to determine the validity of the party asking for the number. Ask why the number is needed, how it will be used and what law requires you to give the party the number.

3

Contact the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) to request a free Minor Child Credit Check. Be prepared to prove your relationship to the child by providing your identifying documents and a birth certificate.

4

Determine if your child has credit. The Minor Child Credit Check will indicate if the child already has credit, or if the child does not have credit. If the child already has credit, you will need to take steps to clear the child's credit.

5

Contact the Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service and Internet Crime Complaint Center to report your child's identity theft and take steps to resolve your child's credit.