 Identity Theft
I'm under 18...
I don't have credit cards...
Do I even have a Credit Rating?
Can my identity be stolen?
It may seen as of teens are unlikely victims of identity theft, but the Federal Trade Commission has estimated that about 400,000 children have their identity stolen each year.
You are targets because:
1. If you have a Social Security number you have a credit rating and you have a clean credit record.
2. you won't apply for credit or jobs until late teens or when you enter college.
3. Chances are, know one has checked your credit reports.
*This makes it easy for thieves to get away with exploiting kids ID's for years!
4. Most won't find out until you apply for a driver's license, bank account, student loan or your first apartment.
 Sadly 2/3 of the time, it is the parent or guardian stealing your identity.
Children of divided families are especially at risk!
Guardians have also been known to use their child's Social Security numbers and Birth Certificate to apply for a drivers' license.
To remedy ID theft you can go through the same process as an adult.
1. Close any affected accounts
2. Speak with the security or fraud department
3. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports
If you feel you are a victim of Identity Theft you can ask for a free copy of your credit report.
Top three credit reporting agencies:
Equifax (800) 525-6285
Experian (888) 397-3742
Transunion (800) 680-7289
Contact the authorities, most children have a hard time filing a police report if the Identity Thief is their parent.
Theft Hotline (877) ID-THEFT or www.fraud.org
Record and save paperwork, statements and correspondence. Keep copies of any paperwork in a safe place.
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