Identity theft is something that most Americans now understand quite well. From unauthorized credit lines in your name to filing fraudulent tax returns, the damage that can be done by identity theft can be substantial and can take a long time to undo. Identity theft occurs when someone obtains personal information and uses that information to commit criminal acts. Criminals are always on the hunt for valuable personal information, using a variety of techniques including massive system hacks on large service providing companies and individually aimed strategies like email phishing scams.

While many adults have implemented proactive plans to prevent the theft of their own identities, many don’t think of the fact that their children can also be victims. Just like when adults fall victim to identity theft, the consequences for unknowing children can be severe. Imaging starting your adult life with longstanding debts attached to your name, preventing you from borrowing money for college, getting an apartment or buying your first car.

Children whose identities have been stolen often do not find out for years by which time the damage can really add up.

So what can you do to protect your children? First, understand that your children can have a credit profile even before they are of age. Here are some ways to protect your child’s identity:

• Safeguard their children’s information just like you do your own.
• Monitor your child’s credit.
• Never carry your child’s birth certificate or social security cards with you unnecessarily.
• Consider using a service like LifeLock Junior to monitor and protect your child’s identity.