CRIB TO COLLECTIONS — How Child Identity Theft Happens

Many parents assume a child’s credit history begins at age 18. But here’s the unsettling truth: there’s no minimum age for a credit report to exist.

So when a teenager applies for their first credit card—or you attempt to open a bank account in their name—you might be shocked to learn they already have a full-blown credit file… with debt.

If this sounds like your situation, it’s possible that your child is the victim of identity theft—and R23 Law is here to help.

🚨 Why Would a Child Have Debt?

There are two main reasons debt might appear on a minor’s credit report:

1. They’re an Authorized User on Your Credit Card

Sometimes, parents add a child to their credit card account to help them build credit. If that account has a balance or late payments, it can reflect poorly on the child’s file—even if they’ve never used the card.

✅ Quick Fix: Check if you’ve added your child to any accounts. If so, removing them may clear the record.

2. They’re a Victim of Identity Theft

This is far more serious. Criminals target children because:

• Kids have clean credit.

• Parents rarely check a child’s credit report.

• The fraud can go unnoticed for years.

From fraudulent student loans to credit cards and even utility bills, identity thieves use a child’s Social Security number like a blank check.

🛡️ What to Do If You Suspect Child Identity Theft

If you’ve found debt or suspicious accounts on your child’s credit report, here’s how to take action—and why it’s best not to go it alone:

1. Place a Credit Freeze

Contact the major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TranFrom fraudulent student loans to credit cards and even utility bills, identity thieves use a child’s Social Security number like a blank check.sUnion—to place a freeze on your child’s file. This prevents new accounts from being opened in their name.

2. Report It

File an identity theft report with:

• The Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov

• Your local police department (this provides crucial documentation)

3. Dispute the Debt

You can file disputes directly with the credit bureaus, but it’s not as simple as just filling out a form. Missing key documents or providing too much information can delay or derail your case.

🧾 What You Can Recover With Legal Help

Under the FCRA, you may be entitled to:

• Actual damages for harm done to your child’s credit or future opportunities

• Statutory damages (even without proving harm)

• Punitive damages for willful violations

• Attorney’s fees (so you don’t pay out-of-pocket)

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👨‍⚖️ Let R23 Law Help Clear Your Child’s Name

At R23 Law, we don’t just fight for justice—we restore futures. If your child has been saddled with debt they never incurred, it’s time to take action.

📞 Contact our California Consumer Protection Attorneys today for a free consultation. We offer multilingual support and compassionate advocacy.

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📌 R23 Law Takeaways:

• Children can have credit reports—and debt—well before they turn 18.

• Identity thieves love targeting minors.

• Freezing credit, reporting theft, and disputing entries are essential steps.

• With R23 Law on your side, your family’s financial security is in trusted hands.