This document from Kroll Fraud Solutions discusses identity theft involving minors. It outlines that identity theft of minors can occur when a child's personal information is misused, and the effects may not be discovered until the child is an adult. Victims can experience being denied credit, loans, or benefits due to poor credit resulting from the identity theft. The document provides tips to help prevent identity theft of minors, such as not carrying the child's Social Security card unless needed, teaching children not to share personal information online or over the phone, and being wary of preapproved credit offers received in a child's name.

1. A service of the Investigators of Kroll Fraud Solutions
These materials are derived from the research and discovery activities of Kroll Fraud Solutions’ Fraud Specialists and Licensed Investigators,and have been gathered from personal,historical,and aggregated
experience performing specialized restoration services on behalf of IdentityTheft victims.While believed to be accurate, these materials do not constitute legal advice, and are not guaranteed to be correct,
complete or up-to-date. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into a language or computer language, in any form by any means,
electronic, mechanical, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the express written consent of Kroll Fraud Solutions. These materials are provided for informational purposes only.
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Identity Theft and Minors
Overview: A brief description of identity theft involving minors
Identity theft involving minors occurs when a child’s personal identifying information is used
by another individual for personal or financial gain. There are essentially two types of victims:
n One is currently a child (under 18 years of age) whose parent or guardian discovered the misuse
of the child’s identity.
n One is an individual over the age of 18, who discovered as an adult that their identity was used
fraudulently during the time when they were a minor.
Notification: How you might discover the misuse of identity
For a victim, the effects of the theft can present itself in many ways. Being denied for credit
cards, loans, mortgages or financial aid due to an unwarranted poor credit rating may indicate
someone used the victim’s identity to obtain credit.
Denial for any of the following may also be an indication:
n Driver’s license
n Social Security or welfare benefits
n Utility or phone services
n Banking privileges
n Employment opportunities
Be on the lookout for these indicators as well:
n Receiving an “Explanation of Benefits” from a medical insurer without having sought medical
treatment
n Unsolicited credit card offers
n Credit card bills or account statements addressed to a minor
n Collection notices addressed to a minor
n Discovering some type of criminal activity associated with a minor
Important Information about identity theft and minors
INVESTIGATOR INSIGHT

2. A service of the Investigators of Kroll Fraud Solutions
These materials are derived from the research and discovery activities of Kroll Fraud Solutions’ Fraud Specialists and Licensed Investigators,and have been gathered from personal,historical,and aggregated
experience performing specialized restoration services on behalf of IdentityTheft victims.While believed to be accurate, these materials do not constitute legal advice, and are not guaranteed to be correct,
complete or up-to-date. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into a language or computer language, in any form by any means,
electronic, mechanical, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the express written consent of Kroll Fraud Solutions. These materials are provided for informational purposes only.
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Important Information about identity theft and minors
Preventative measures: Steps to reduce risk
n Memorize the child’s Social Security number (SSN). Do not carry a Social Security card or any
personal documentation containing the SSN for your child unless you need the item in the
immediate future.
n Don’t allow children to carry their Social Security cards.
n If your health insurance cards include your child’s SSN, request that your insurance company
provide a new card that does not contain the number.
n Do not provide your child’s SSN unless there is valid reason for the requestor to have this
information. Pediatrician’s offices and schools are sometimes targets of identity thieves,
where they attempt to collect information. Confirm that the physician or school is taking
proper precautions in safeguarding your child’s information.
n Teach children not to give out personal information over the phone or on the internet. If a
website seems questionable, it is best to avoid it. Companies can be verified with the Better
Business Bureau or the State Attorney General’s office if any concerns arise.
n Do not ignore junk mail. If your child begins receiving credit card promotions or other
solicitations in his or her own name, it could be an indication that fraud has occurred.
n Have any magazine subscription placed in your name instead of the child’s name. This will
help limit your child’s name from being added to any mailing lists.
n Obtain a photo identification card or a passport for your child to help establish their identity
in the event that it is ever questioned.
KFS-018-1109-MIN