Minor child and Identity theft

[Anonymous]

I have reason to believe that my step-sons identity has been stolen by his mother. He is only 16 years old and is concerned because he found credit cards and statements as well as collection notices in his name. He asked me to help him stop her. He's afraid that she's ruining his credit before he's even old enough to have credit. What can I do to stop her? Do I have the right to request copies of his reports? How do I lock his credit? Has anyone ever dealt with a similar issue before and can offer guidance?

[athensguy]

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html

[wmarat]

I would pull his report and if there is fraudelent TL dispute it, freeze it and report to police.

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sllbaker wrote:
I have reason to believe that my step-sons identity has been stolen by his mother. He is only 16 years old and is concerned because he found credit cards and statements as well as collection notices in his name. He asked me to help him stop her. He's afraid that she's ruining his credit before he's even old enough to have credit. What can I do to stop her? Do I have the right to request copies of his reports? How do I lock his credit? Has anyone ever dealt with a similar issue before and can offer guidance?

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[Anonymous]

I've already contacted the police regarding filing a report. Can I or his father legally request copies of his credit reports on his behalf?

[wmarat]

I believe you can.

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sllbaker wrote:
I've already contacted the police regarding filing a report. Can I or his father legally request copies of his credit reports on his behalf?

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[Anonymous]

Yes- you do have to do it in writting-

Include a copy of both gadians DL's and copy (does not need to be certified) birt certificate, SSN, and a utility bill.

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sllbaker wrote:
I've already contacted the police regarding filing a report. Can I or his father legally request copies of his credit reports on his behalf?

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[fishbjc]

Now this is a new low.  Sad, just sad if it's true.

[athensguy]

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@fishbjc wrote:

Now this is a new low.  Sad, just sad if it's true.

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Unfortunately, ID theft by a relative or housemate is all too common.

[Anonymous]

I don't know that I can get a copy of BOTH parents ID's, as his mother is the one that's stealing his identity. I don't think she will be very cooperative in helping us stop her. I sent off a letter requesting the report to each bureau along with a copy of my husbands DL, the childs birth certificate and a copy of the front page of both of their passports (for identification purposes), as well as the SS#. Hopefully this will be enough to get a copy of the reports. We'll see how it goes from there.

[athensguy]

If it's true you are going to have to involve the police to get it resolved.