Credit Reports for Minors
The other day I wrote about taking advantage of your free annual credit reports, but check this out… According to The Consumerist, minors cannot access their credit reports online. It’s not that minors don’t have credit reports, it’s just that requests to review them have to be made in writing.
So… If you’re interested in protecting your kids from identity theft by keeping an eye on their credit, then make a note of these addresses:
TransUnion
2 Baldwin Place
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022
Experian
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013-2104
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
In your request, just be sure to include the name, address and social security number of the person for whom your requesting the report.
Here are some links to articles on identity theft and children:
» Kids’ ID Theft: Growing Problem
» Kids, Infants Fall Victim to Identity Theft
» Main Culprits in Kids’ ID Theft? Family Members
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Good info. I hadn’t heard of this one. I only hope being a minor they don’t have a reason to need the report
Comment by Jeremy — Jan 17th 2008 @ 10:34 amWell, it’s not uncommon for minors to be targeted for identity theft, so that’s definitely a good reason to check.
A relative of mine checked her credit report before buying her first house at the age of 23, and saw on her credit report that she had already purchased a house (according to her credit history) 10 years prior. Obviously someone had used her information to obtain a mortage. This does happen!
Comment by Jake — Apr 29th 2008 @ 8:57 pmIn this age of identity theft, kids should be able to access their reports online. Or as parents we should be able to access their information online. I understand the subscription/fee sites not providing info for kids under 18 — they don’t have credit cards to pay the fee. But the free, once a year site should provide the information to whomever requests it.
Comment by Sally E, MI — May 10th 2008 @ 10:35 pm