How to Check Your Child's Credit Report

Armed with your child's name and Social Security number, identity thieves may attempt to open credit accounts. Children are often targeted because parents do not routinely check their child's credit report, so theft could go years without being identified and reported to law enforcement. When you suspect your child's identity was stolen, contact all three of the credit bureaus to determine whether your child has a credit report. If he has one, file a police report. All three credit reporting agencies accept inquiries by mail. TransUnion also offers an online form for checking your child's credit report status.

Instructions

By Mail

1

Draft a letter stating you suspect someone opened credit under your minor child's name and Social Security number. Indicate you want a copy of your child's credit report, if she has one.

2

Attach a copy of your government-issued ID card, a copy of your child's social security card, a copy of your child's birth certificate and a proof of address, such as an utility bill.

3

Make three copies of the letter and supporting documentation. Mail your letters to the Fraud Department of all three of the credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Each agency notifies you by mail whether it has found a credit report for your child.

TransUnion LLC
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834

Experians National Consumer Assistance
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013

Equifax Consumer Fraud Division
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Online

4

Open the Child Identity Theft Inquiry form on TransUnion's website.

5

Enter your personal information in the fields providing including your name, address and email address.

6

Provide your child's information including his name, address, Social Security number and date of birth.

7

Verify the information you entered is correct and submit the inquiry to TransUnion. TransUnion notifies you by email and mail whether it has found a credit report for your child.