It’s a question parents commonly ask: can I monitor my child’s credit report? The answer depends on a few factors. Since credit can’t be established until a person reaches the age of majority (age 18), a child with no credit history will not have a credit report, so there would be nothing to monitor. If you find they do have a report, it may exist because your child’s information was stolen and they’ve become a victim of identity theft.

Here are some tips to help parents spot evidence of child identity theft:

• Watch the mail. Children with no credit history will usually not receive pre-approved credit card offers. If they do, you may want to contact the credit bureaus to find out if they have a credit report, as that could be a sign that they have been the victim of identity theft.
• Check Social Security statements. If your child has never worked, yet shows earnings in a Social Security statement, someone else may have used their personal information fraudulently.

If your child may have been the victim of identity theft, you’ll want to address it quickly, before additional damage is done.

No Credit Card Required

_{This article is provided for general guidance and information. It is not intended as, nor should it be construed to be, legal, financial or other professional advice. Please consult with your attorney or financial advisor to discuss any legal or financial issues involved with credit decisions.
Published by permission from ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. © 2015 ConsumerInfo.com, Inc. All rights reserved.}