Identity theft is bad — but when it happens to someone vulnerable, it hits differently.
Minor Identity Theft
Children shouldn’t have credit reports. That’s why thieves love using their identities — no red flags, no existing accounts, and often years before anyone notices.
How it happens
- A child’s Social Security number is stolen and used for loans or utilities.
- A relative uses a child’s information to open accounts (common and emotionally complicated).
Signs of minor ID theft
- Mail addressed to your child about credit.
- Denied government benefits because “someone is already using their SSN.”
- A credit history exists for your child (it shouldn’t).
What to do
- Check if a credit report exists with all three bureaus and review.
- Request a freeze to prevent new accounts.
- Dispute any fraudulent accounts.
Children deserve a clean financial start. Catching theft early protects their future.
Elder Abuse Identity Theft
Financial exploitation of older adults is one of the fastest-growing forms of identity theft — and sadly, it often comes from people the victim knows.
How it happens
- A caregiver or relative opens accounts using the victim’s information.
- Scammers call pretending to be Medicare, Social Security, tech support, or even the IRS or the government.
- Fraudsters convince older adults to “verify” sensitive information.
Warning signs
- Unexplained withdrawals
- New credit cards or loans
- Confusion about accounts they don’t remember opening
- Sudden financial trouble or collection calls
What to do
- Freeze credit immediately.
- Pull credit reports and review for accuracy.
- Report any identity theft to local police.
- Notify banks and credit unions.
- Dispute any accounts that do not belong to the credit reporting agencies as well as the banks and credit unions.
- Consider giving a trusted family member monitoring access or using a paid credit monitoring service.
Protecting older adults is protecting their dignity, safety, and independence.