FTC says a child’s credit report may signal identity theft

The Federal Trade Commission says children under 18 generally will not have a credit report. If one exists, the agency says it could be a sign of identity theft. The FTC made the reminder in an August alert about teen financial wellness.

The FTC says reports can be obtained free weekly from all three nationwide credit bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com and families can dispute errors they find.

If someone has used a teen’s personal information without permission, the FTC directs families to IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a recovery plan.