Michigan Child Identity Theft Lawyer

As a parent, you do everything in your power to protect your child from the various dangers of the world. Unfortunately, one type of danger most parents don’t even think to consider is child identity theft. That said, this happens far more often than any of us would like to believe. If you’ve discovered that your child has been made a victim of identity theft, contact a lawyer from Lyngklip & Associates for a free consultation today.

What is Child Identity Theft?

Child identity theft occurs when someone uses a minor’s personal information—such as their Social Security number, name, or date of birth—without permission to commit fraud. Often, perpetrators open credit accounts, apply for government benefits, or even take out loans in the child’s name. Because children typically do not monitor their credit, this theft can go unnoticed for years, often only discovered when the child applies for credit or a loan as a young adult.

Unfortunately, children are prime targets for identity theft due to their clean credit histories. The damage caused can have long-lasting effects, making it difficult for your child to secure credit, scholarships, or even employment in the future. Understanding the nature of this crime is the first step in protecting your child and taking action if their identity has been stolen.

What Steps Can I As a Parent Take?

If you suspect or discover that your child has been a victim of identity theft, quick action is critical. Some of the steps you can take to address the issue and minimize the damage are as follows:

• Request and Review Your Child’s Credit Report: Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and request a credit report for your child. If no credit report exists, that’s usually a good sign. However, if one does, review it thoroughly for suspicious activity.
• Place a Fraud Alert: Notify one of the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your child’s file. This alerts creditors to verify identity before opening new accounts.
• Freeze Your Child’s Credit: Request a credit freeze from each of the credit bureaus. This restricts access to your child’s credit report and prevents new accounts from being opened in their name.
• Contact Businesses Involved: Reach out to the companies or institutions where the fraudulent accounts were opened. Notify them of the identity theft and request closure of the accounts.
• File a Police Report: Report the identity theft to your local police department. Be sure to include all relevant documentation, such as the credit report and records of fraudulent activity.
• Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit identitytheft.gov to file an identity theft report. The FTC provides a recovery plan and resources to help you navigate the process.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

While some parents can address minor cases of identity theft on their own, more complex cases often require legal intervention. A knowledgeable Michigan identity theft lawyer can help ensure all necessary steps are taken to clear your child’s name, communicate with creditors and financial institutions to resolve fraudulent accounts, assist in disputing inaccuracies on your child’s credit report, and, ultimately, pursue legal action against the perpetrator if necessary.

Contact a Child Identity Theft Lawyer

Realizing that your child has been made a victim of identity theft is a stressful and confusing experience. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. Contact a knowledgeable and skilled Michigan child identity theft lawyer from Lyngklip & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation. We’re here to help you get back the peace of mind you and your family deserve.