Get A Free Annual Credit Report For Your Kids to Stop Identity Theft
5 October 2006Here’s a very helpful tip from CNN that I would have never thought of: when you get your free annual credit report, you should be getting one for your kids, too – even if they’re six year olds. The reason? Because more and more identity theft cases are happening with people who are under 18 and don’t have any credit. Some people target kids deliberately, just because they’re not going to find out about it. Since it’s smart to be checking your credit report once a year anyway, if you do it for your kids at the same time, you can make sure no one has used their name and Social Security Number to sign up for credit cards or any of the other nasty things identity thieves are up to. Your kids shouldn’t have a credit report, so if one comes up, there’s a problem. And catching it then is far preferable to waiting until they’re on their own and need good credit.
The article also points out this important warning sign for identity theft:
While your child may receive pre-approved credit card offers, you should be on the lookout for other signs that someone is mis-using your child’s identity. Look for unusual marketing solicitations. That means if your six year old is getting Harley Davidson catalogues it’s time to do a credit check. Other red flags: your kid is getting notices of traffic violations or bills sent in their name.
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One Response to “Get A Free Annual Credit Report For Your Kids to Stop Identity Theft”
October 5th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
I wouldn’t have thought of this either. Thanks.