South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs offers parents step-by-step guidance on preventing and responding to child identity theft

Scott Cook, communications director at the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, used a webinar to walk parents and guardians through how child identity theft happens and what steps to take if they suspect a minor—s personal data has been used fraudulently.

Cook said child identity theft often goes undetected for years because "most people are not actively looking to see if there are things on the child's credit report" and described common misuses of a child—s Social Security number, name, date of birth and address to obtain government benefits, health coverage, bank accounts, credit cards, loans or utility services.

The department advised several concrete warning signs that should prompt immediate action. Cook highlighted that an IRS notice claiming a child failed to pay taxes or that a Social Security number was used on another return is a strong indicator of identity theft. He also noted that collection notices, preapproved…