New law makes it easier for parents to find identity theft involving children

There is a new federal law designed to protect children in a way many parents may not have thought about.

Whether your child is a baby, toddler, teen or in between, their credit could be at risk because of identity thieves.

It is estimated that more than one million children had their identities stolen last year and a line of credit opened in their name.

A new law makes it easier for parents to check their child’s credit report.

In most cases, children under the age of 18 should not have a credit report and, if they do, parents have a problem.

Parents can check through the three national credit reporting agencies- Equifax, Experian and Transunion- for free.

If parents find something regarding their child through one of the agencies, they need to take action to fix it. A false or inaccurate credit report can create big problems for children down the road, not only when they try to open their own line of credit but even when they apply for a job.

Parents can take advantage of the search now and experts recommend staggering the checks over the course of a year, in case something changes.