How to Get a Copy of Your Child's Credit Report

With the increase in identity theft, everyone is susceptible to problems with their credit report. Credit bureaus are not supposed to keep credit reports for minors under the age of 13. It's always possible that something fishy could be going on, however, so contact the credit bureaus if you suspect anything illegal or accidental involving your child's credit report. The three main credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) can be contacted directly through the mail and asked to scan your child's credit history. Be sure to have the correct documents on hand for both you and your child.

Instructions

1

Gather all of your child's personal information. This includes your child's name, address, birth date, Social Security number and copy of his birth certificate.

2

Write a letter to all three of the major credit bureaus explaining your belief that the child's credit information is being falsified or used without your knowledge. Be sure to include your child's information as stated above, along with your own personal information: proof of ID (driver's license, passport), current address and a bill receipt (e.g., gas, electric, water) for you at your current address.

3

Send the letter and information to the following three credit bureaus:

Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, Georgia 30374

Experian
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, Texas 75013

TransUnion
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834

4

Report anything illegal to the proper authorities once the companies check on the child's credit status.

5

Check your child's report once a year (if she's not a minor) at the annual credit report website (see Resources).