Tulsa - According to the Federal Trade Commission, 400-thousand children have their identities stolen every year. They are perfect targets because they have a clean credit history and no one checks their credit reports. But, there are steps you can take so your kids aren't suddenly surprised by a separate identity and a big stack of bills.

When you enroll your kids in school, sports and other activities, you may not think twice about the information you give -- name, address, birthday, even social security number. But, as Rick Brinkley with the Better Business Bureau has seen, with each added piece of information, a new identity can be built.

"We've heard that people locally have found out that when their kids were trying to apply for financial aid, there was over 100-thousand dollars in debt on their credit report that they knew nothing about," Brinkley says.

ID thieves have figured out kids are now vulnerable right from the start.

Prevent Identity Theft

Free Credit Reports Federal Trade Commission On ID Theft Social Security Administration On ID Theft Identity Theft Resources Recovering From ID Theft

"When I was a kid, most people didn't get a social security card until they started to go to work," Brinkley says. "Now you have to have one before you leave the hospital. That's great and that's the law. But the reality is, that gives a criminal 18 years before most people check their child's credit report."

And, it's not just the social security numbers that are putting kids at risk. It's also the information parents give out all the time -- online or in person. Kids and parents must realize if the information isn't absolutely necessary, don't include it.

So, what do you do if you find out someone has stolen your child's identity?

"You need to get ahold of the three credit reporting agencies and put a fraud alert on the account and try to get these things rectified," Brinkley says. "Because the last thing you want to do is start adulthood with bad credit. It doesn't take very many people long to get bad credit in today's economy, but they at least need to start out on some level footing."

The best way to keep an eye on your child's credit is to order a credit report. You're entitled by law to get one free every year. So, when you order yours, make sure to get your child's credit report as well.

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