Child Security Breach First Steps

Privacy Protection Recommendations

What to Do If Your Child’s Social Security Number Has Been Compromised

1. Contact the three credit bureaus.

   The credit reporting agencies do not knowingly maintain credit files on minor children. You can find out if your child may be a victim of identity theft by contacting the three major credit bureaus. You may do this by calling them at the toll-free numbers below.

   When calling the credit bureaus, use the numbers below and follow the cues for "fraud" on the automated phone systems. Give the child’s name, Social Security number, and other requested information. The phone system may provide you with a response of "no file found" or "information does not match." This is good news. If there is a file in your child’s name, you will be told that a fraud alert is placed on the file. You will also be sent instructions on how to get a copy of the child’s credit report from each of the credit bureaus. There will be no charge for these copies.

   Equifax 1-800-525-6285
   alerts.equifax.com

   Experian 1-888-397-3742
   experian.com/fraud/center.html

   TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
   transunion.com/fraud

   Please note: TransUnion also provides a secure online option to check to see if your child may have a credit report. Please see the TransUnion link for more information: www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/fraudPrevention/childIDInquiry.page.

2. Follow up with the credit bureaus in writing.

   No matter what response you receive on the automated phone systems, follow up by writing to the credit bureaus. Ask them to confirm in writing that they have no file on your child. [Sample letters are on page two, three and four of this information sheet.]

3. If you receive a credit report on your child, call the credit bureau.

   If any of the credit bureaus sends you a report, call the bureau at the phone number on the report. Explain that the report is associated with a minor who does not have a credit history. The credit bureau will help you begin the process of clearing your child’s credit records.