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Identity theft is a huge issue in today’s ever-evolving world of scams and cyberattacks. You may be aware of the dangers to yourself and your significant other, but did you know that your children can be the target of identity theft schemes as well?

Many families don’t realize that a child’s identity is valuable to cybercriminals. At Middlefield Bank, we’re here to help you stay informed and proactive. Here’s what you should know to keep your child safe.

What Is Child Identity Theft?

Child identity theft happens when someone illegally uses your child’s personal information (like their Social Security number or date of birth) to commit fraud. Criminals can use this information to open bank or credit card accounts, apply for government benefits, or even take out loans in your child’s name.

What makes this practice particularly insidious is that children typically don’t use their credit, which means this type of fraud can go undetected for years. This can result in serious headaches later when your child is ready to build their own credit.

Why Children Are Targets

Unfortunately, scammers often target children because:

• They have clean, unused credit histories.
• Identity monitoring is rarely set up for kids.
• The fraud can go undetected for years.

Warning signs: Be alert if you receive pre-approved credit offers, debt collection calls, or suspicious bills in your child’s name — or if you run into issues enrolling them in school or government programs due to existing credit records.

How to Protect Your Child’s Identity

The good news: there are steps you can take to safeguard your child’s future.

• Store important documents securely. Keep birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other sensitive records in a safe, locked place.
• Be mindful of what you share online. Avoid posting your child’s personal details on social media or sharing sensitive information unless absolutely necessary.
• Check for a credit report. If you suspect fraud, see if your child has a credit report. If they do — and you didn’t open any accounts for them — it’s a red flag. Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to report it.
• Freeze their credit. Placing a credit freeze can prevent new accounts from being opened in your child’s name. It’s easy to lift when they’re older and ready to build legitimate credit.
• Teach your kids good habits. Talk about privacy, safe internet use, and strong passwords as they get older. A little education now can protect them later.

What to Do if Your Child’s Identity Is Stolen

Even with the best precautions, fraud can still happen. If you suspect your child’s identity has been compromised:

1. Report it to the FTC at identitytheft.gov.
2. Contact all three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert and freeze their credit.
3. File a police report and notify any affected banks, if needed.

Contact Us for Help Today

Protecting Your Family’s Future

Keeping your family’s information safe is one of the most important jobs you have — and Middlefield Bank is here to help. Visit our Security Center to learn more about protecting your family’s identity, or connect with our team anytime.

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