Identity theft can happen to anyone, but when it involves children, the consequences can be especially harmful and long-lasting. Children’s identities are valuable targets for thieves because their credit histories are clean, making fraudulent accounts easier to open.

As a parent or guardian in Kentucky, understanding child identity theft prevention steps can protect your child’s future financial health and peace of mind. Our team at The Law Offices of Matthew L Collins is here to help fight fraud and protect the children in your life from any adverse implications that may come up down the line.

Why Children Are Vulnerable

Unlike adults, children don’t actively use their potential lines of credit, so suspicious activity can go undetected for years. Thieves use stolen Social Security numbers to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, or even fraudulently collect government benefits. Unfortunately, a child’s credit is not usually monitored until they become an adult and apply for credit themselves. This delay can mean years of damage before anyone catches on.

Preventing Child Identity Theft

Kentucky families can take several proactive steps to shield children’s information from fraudsters. The federal government’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission recommend strong protections including:

  • Check for a Credit Report: Since children typically don’t have credit reports, request one annually for your child from the three major credit bureaus. You are able to request one report from each bureau every year. This helps catch any unauthorized accounts early.
  • Place a Credit Freeze: A credit freeze stops creditors from accessing your child’s credit file without your permission. Kentucky law supports this practice, letting parents freeze and unfreeze accounts in their child’s name.
  • Protect Personal Information: Keep your child’s birth certificate, Social Security number, and other identifying documents safe in a secure fireproof box or safe deposit box in a trusted bank. Do not divulge these details to strangers or on websites or forms.
  • Monitor Medical, School, & Other Records: Review your child’s school and health records to ensure no unauthorized disclosures or errors that could lead to identity misuse.
  • Use Identity Theft Protection Services: Some third-party services specialize in child identity theft prevention, offering monitoring and alerts to suspicious activity tied to your child’s information.

Kentucky Legal Protections for Identity Theft

Kentucky’s privacy laws restrict how companies and online service providers can gather and utilize the personal information of children.

In 2024, Kentucky passed legislation that strengthened limitations on the collection of child data and required parental consent for processing. The law provides an additional layer of safety in today’s increasingly digital world and holds companies responsible for protecting children from harmful or objectionable online information.

  • Kentucky’s Attorney General encourages parents to actively monitor their child’s identity and to freeze credit files when necessary. Resources like annualcreditreport.com allow parents to request free credit reports following strict federal guidelines.

Find Child Identity Theft Prevention Services Near Lawrenceburg, KY

For expert advice and legal support in Lawrenceburg and Central Kentucky, contact the Law Office of Matthew L. Collins. Secure your family’s peace of mind with identity theft protection services designed for children and adults alike.

The sooner you act, the better your chances for swift resolution, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you suspect your child’s identity has been compromised. Schedule your free consultation today.

We are located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and serve Central Kentucky, including Anderson County, Woodford County, and Fayette County.