Less Than 2-Years-Old, Double ID Theft Victim Has No Recourse?

from the no-losses dept

The latest story about identity theft includes the case of a 22-month-old child who has had her identity stolen twice already — apparently by acquaintances of her parents. The child’s name and social security number were used by one person to set up phone service, and was used by someone else on their tax returns to be claimed as a dependent for a tax deduction. The story then goes on with the usual fluff about how identity theft is a problem, but at the end mentions that the child and her parents have basically no recourse against those who used the child’s info — since they didn’t lose anything because of it. The “losses” went to the phone company (and the government, when it comes to taxes). That’s not true, though. It should also negatively impact the kid’s credit report when she grows old enough to get a real credit rating. Anyway, the story does lend support to the idea that online identity theft is less of a problem than more old fashioned identity theft from people who know you or have access to your info through less technical means.


Rate this comment as insightful
Rate this comment as funny
You have rated this comment as insightful
You have rated this comment as funny
Flag this comment as abusive/trolling/spam
You have flagged this comment
The first word has already been claimed
The last word has already been claimed
Insightful Lightbulb icon Funny Laughing icon Abusive/trolling/spam Flag icon Insightful badge Lightbulb icon Funny badge Laughing icon Comments icon

Comments on “Less Than 2-Years-Old, Double ID Theft Victim Has No Recourse?”

Subscribe: RSS Leave a comment
6 Comments
acousticiris (user link) says:

Credit report blight prior to 18?

I’m curious if whether or not this would really have an effect on a child that young.
A minor cannot legally have credit on his/her own. Any company that issues credit to that minor takes the fully brunt of the liability.
But you bring up an interesting point… When she’s able to get credit, will there be a record of the events that occurred when she was two years old? Common sense would say no, but Common Sense seems to be lacking from bureaucracies these days.
Proving damages to the child or her family would seem difficult since the only damage would be to a credit rating… something she really could have at her age (although, evidently she does!).

thecaptain says:

No Subject Given

Aside from the identity theft, which is very bad on its own. I have to wonder…who the heck do these people ASSOCIATE with? I mean twice their daughter’s identity has been stolen, that means that TWICE “acquaintances” has gotten her social security number…something that doesn’t come up in general conversation unless you’re really stupid.

I don’t know, any normal parent would think after the first time to be careful who they trust, but TWICE?

We need to have licenses for reproduction I think. Its time…before the world gets dumber…I mean look at dorpus!

Uhh Duh says:

Re: No Subject Given

>>I have to wonder…who the heck do these
>> people ASSOCIATE with?….

hmm lets see, the mother’s name is LaShonda.
infant is named Jobriana.

Im betting a Tyrone lives nearby (probably stops by the “crib”)..

nearby lives a Jamal, a Rasheem, a Shaniqua, a Damarcus, a Chantee, a DeJuan, a Keyshawn, a Latrish, a Omar, a Denzil … You Get the Point.

It’s not their associations, but more their ‘nicity. if u get my point.

I recommend sterilization. screw licenses.. these people don’t adhere to common civil laws.. and u want to mandate a license for reproduction.
HAHA. Its not like the legal system and law enforcement aren’t overwhelmed with the likes of LaShonda.

Anonymous Coward says:

No Subject Given

>>I have to wonder…who the heck do these
>> people ASSOCIATE with?….

hmm lets see, the mother’s name is LaShonda.
infant is named Jobriana.

Im betting a Tyrone lives nearby (probably stops by the “crib”)..

nearby lives a Jamal, a Rasheem, a Shaniqua, a Damarcus, a Chantee, a DeJuan, a Keyshawn, a Latrish, a Omar, a Denzil … You Get the Point.

It’s not their associations, but more their ‘nicity. if u get my point.

I recommend sterilization. screw licenses.. these people don’t adhere to common civil laws.. and u want to mandate a license for reproduction.
HAHA. Its not like the legal system and law enforcement aren’t overwhelmed with the likes of LaShonda.

Add Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a Techdirt Account? Sign in now. Want one? Register here

Comment Options:

Make this the or (get credits or sign in to see balance) what's this?

What's this?

Techdirt community members with Techdirt Credits can spotlight a comment as either the "First Word" or "Last Word" on a particular comment thread. Credits can be purchased at the Techdirt Insider Shop »

Follow Techdirt

Techdirt Daily Newsletter

Techdirt Deals
Techdirt Insider Discord
The latest chatter on the Techdirt Insider Discord channel...
Loading...