Child Identity Theft Guide
If your child becomes a victim of identity theft following a data breach, there are a number of immediate steps you can take to protect their identity and their future. Report the identity theft, freeze your child’s credit, close any fraudulent accounts, and seek legal assistance as quickly as possible.
- April 27, 2026
- Key Takeaways
- After an unauthorized person accesses your child’s data and uses it to steal their identity, take action as quickly as possible to protect your child and their identity.
- Report child identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission promptly and work with a data breach lawyer to hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Teach your child not to share personal information over the phone, online, or with anyone without parental permission.
Identity thieves often target children when accessing individuals’ personal information. This is because the crime can go undetected for years, typically until the child applies for their first loan or credit card and discovers fraudulent activity on their credit report. Children in foster care are particularly vulnerable to identity theft because they do not have credit reports, move frequently, and more people have access to their sensitive information.
- Why Are Children Targeted?
- What Information Is Likely To Be Stolen?
- How to Protect Your Children From Identity Theft
- Recognizing the Signs of Child Identity Theft
- What To Do If Your Child’s Identity Is Stolen
- Legal Rights and Protections for Children Affected by Data Breaches
- How Class Action U Can Assist You
Why Are Children Targeted?
A lack of credit history and online exposure makes children uniquely vulnerable to identity theft after data breaches. In December 2024, cloud-based school software provider PowerSchool experienced a data breach that affected over 60 million students and teachers, exposing sensitive data, including Social Security numbers. The company received an extortion demand of approximately $2.85 million in Bitcoin, and over 18,000 school organizations were put at risk.
The education industry has one of the highest rates of ransomware attacks due to the large volume of sensitive personal information that schools and related companies store, particularly that of children.
What Information Is Likely To Be Stolen?
How to Protect Your Children From Identity Theft
There are steps parents can take to protect their children from potential identity theft. Ask questions before giving anyone their Social Security Number, including their school. Protect all documents with personal information in a locked filing cabinet or safe, and delete all personal information before disposing of a computer or cell phone. Other steps you can take include:
- Keep your devices updated with the latest security software
- Set up identity monitoring services in the event of a data breach
- Freeze your child’s credit if they are under 16
- Don’t share your child’s personal information unless it’s absolutely necessary
Recognizing the Signs of Child Identity Theft
If you believe your child’s personal information may have been stolen, check if your child has a credit report. Generally, children under 18 will not have one unless there has been fraud. You may also suspect misuse of your child’s personal information if you are contacted about an overdue bill, government benefits, loans, unpaid taxes, or an unknown account in your child’s name. In the event of a data breach, you may receive a notification online or by mail.
Unfamiliar Accounts or Bills
Denied Benefits or Services
What To Do If Your Child's Identity Is Stolen
If your child’s identity has been stolen, take the following steps as soon as possible to protect their future and seek legal recourse.
Act Immediately
Report the Fraud
Contact the Federal Trade Commission, the company where the fraud occurred, and all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to report identity theft. Provide as many details as possible to the FTC.
Close Fraudulent Accounts
Freeze Your Child’s Credit
Seek Legal Assistance
After experiencing child identity theft, consult with legal professionals, such as data breach lawyers, with experience in recovering compensation for identity theft. An experienced attorney can inform you of your and your child’s legal rights and options in the wake of fraud.
Legal Rights and Protections for Children Affected by Data Breaches
The U.S. has a specific legal framework protecting children’s data, including the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Additionally, several states have their own applicable laws designed to protect the data and identities of minors.
Legal Recourse and Compensation for Victims
After your child’s identity is stolen in a data breach, your family may have the right to take legal action against the breached company. You may be able to join an existing class action lawsuit or initiate your own data breach lawsuit. Consult with a lawyer to fully understand your options and determine the best course of action for your specific situation—compensation may be available.
How Class Action U Can Assist You
At Class Action U, we help victims of identity theft and their families by connecting them with legal resources and support. Our legal partners operate on a contingency-fee basis, so there are no upfront costs to filing a lawsuit or joining a class action, and you won’t pay anything unless they win your case.
If you’ve been affected by an issue that could potentially lead to a class action lawsuit but hasn’t yet, we encourage you to share your information with us in a free case evaluation. We’ll analyze the situation to see if it warrants a class action filing. For eligible participants in a class action, our site offers a straightforward way to sign up.
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