Technique
Child Identity Theft
Also known as: Minor Identity Theft, Child SSN Fraud, Minor's Identity Fraud
MONETIZATION
Stealing a minor's SSN to open accounts or commit fraud, often undetected for years until the child applies for credit.
Common attack flows
How it fits in a scam
This technique shows up duringMONETIZATION
Before
After
This is often where the scam ends.
Defense
How to defend against this
How to spot it
- Child receives pre-approved credit offers
- IRS notice about child's SSN already used on a return
- Child denied bank account or student loan at 18
- Collection calls for minor child
- Credit file exists for child who shouldn't have one
Seen in the wild
Where we’ve seen it
Commonly targets
Further reading