Should Children Have Credit Report?
Children and Credit Reports: What You Need to Know
Children and young adults under the age of 18 typically should not have a credit report or score. If they do, it could be a sign that their Social Security number has been used fraudulently — possibly by someone else to open accounts in their name.
To check if your child has a credit report, simply visit the link below. You can view their report free of charge and take steps to protect their identity if needed. www.annualcreditreport.com
If you can’t get the report from www.annualcreditreport.com, request your child’s credit report from the credit reporting agencies by writing to them.
If your child has no credit, great. But if you see some activity such as credit cards and auto loans, he or she is a victim of fraud. You need to gather the information below and write a letter to the three credit reporting agencies, preferably by registered mail.
- A copy of your driver’s license or other government-issued identification card
- Proof of your address, such as a utility bill or an insurance statement
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate
- A copy of your child’s Social Security card
In the event no credit report has been created for your child, bureaus will send a notice letting you know. If there is one, it will be provided to you.
What if Your Child Has a Credit Repot?
- Notify the credit reporting agencies by mailing a letter with a completed copy of the Federal Trade Commission’s Uniform Minor’s Status Declarations Form.
- File a police report with your local police.
- Freeze your child’s credit file. Go to https://thecreditbureau.com/2019/11/how-to-freeze-your-credit-report/
- Keep an eye on your child’s credit file by going into www.annualcreditreport.com every year and run the report. The site is run by the United State’s government and provides one report for each agency once a year for free.
Question? Call us. The Credit Bureau Phone Number is: 800-518-1077 Option 4
