Spinoff: DC's social security number

How many of you have gone online to get your child's credit report?

As I'm sure most of you know, you are entitiled to a free credit report each year from the 3 major credit reporting agencies. I ran mine & DH's when the law was first passed & haven't done it since.

Parenting Magazine had an article a while back about idenity theft re: children's ss#s. THe article featured a woman who was called by a collection agency re: a huge debt in her son's name. He wasn't even 2 years old.

This year while I run my own credit check, I'll be running my children's as well. It's something you should be aware of & consider doing.

xxxxxxx

Message edited 2/9/2007 8:38:42 PM.

Re: Spinoff: DC's social security number

Never thought of that what a great idea.

Re: Spinoff: DC's social security number

Unfortunately....I have a credit-watch on my step-daughters SS# (she's now 10). But...when she was about 6 or 7, her mother was using her SS# to run up some credit cards. We get letters every now and then from collection agencies....it's such a mess! I just hope she doesn't have any problems by the time she wants to apply for loans for college. One of the many reasons she doesn't live with her mother

Re: Spinoff: DC's social security number

what's the website where you can run the check? TIA

Re: Spinoff: DC's social security number

look here

http://credit.about.com/od/kidsandcredit/a/childidtheft.htm

How to Safeguard Your Child's Identity
Child identity theft is on the rise; According to the Federal Trade Commission, 400,000 children have their IDs stolen each year. The thief may even be a family member. Children’s identities are often attractive to ID thieves because they have clean credit histories, and because they can often get away with the theft for years - until the child reaches adulthood and starts trying to establish his or her own credit.
Should I Check My Child’s Credit Report?
The three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Transunion and Experian) do not recommend that you automatically check your child's credit report annually UNLESS you have some reason to believe there is a problem. A child should not automatically have a credit file unless someone has started to apply for credit using that child's Social Security number.

Ordering a report actually establishes a credit file, and may open the door to thieves.
Prevention Recommendations
Limit who has access to your child’s SSN. Don’t provide copies of a child’s birth certificate, or their SSN unless you know why it’s needed, and who will have access to it.
Shred all papers that you throw out that contain account or SS numbers.
Do not carry your or your child's SSN in your wallet. Only carry original cards on the days you know you will need them.
Use a locked mailbox to send and receive all mail. Do not leave mail unattended for pickup in an "out" box.
College students may want to use their parent's address as an official address while in college since many students change addresses yearly.
Teach your children not to give out their (or your!) personal information over the phone or Internet.
Red Flags
Calls from collection agencies, bills or credit cards sent to your home in your child's name.
Pre-approved credit card offers if your child never had a bank account. Check it out especially if the name is slightly different. You may want to opt out of all pre-approved offers by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688).
Your child's name is listed on the caller id for another person's house. Relatives have been known to use a child’s information in order to get utilities if they are unable to do so on their own due to a poor credit history.
An ex-spouse who used your SSN fraudulently may well be doing the same with a child's SSN.
In the case of a theft of a SSN or other personal identifying info request a copy of your child’s report within 3 months of the theft.
If your child gets a notice about a warrant for a traffic violation or for taxes owed on income.
Your child is denied a governmental assistance program because of "income, already getting benefits" or they want to "verify his/her job" and your child is not getting benefits and/or has never worked.
A notice from the IRS that your child's name and/or Social Security number is already listed on another tax return.
How Do I Request A Copy Of My Child’s Report?
You can request a free copy of your child’s credit report by filling out this form, and sending it along with a copy of your child’s social security card and birth certificate, as well as proof of guardianship, to Annual Credit Report Request Service.