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.
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  • identicon
    acousticiris, 19 Jul 2005 @ 4:38pm

    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!).

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    thecaptain, 20 Jul 2005 @ 5:08am

    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!

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Uhh Duh, 21 Jul 2005 @ 12:57pm

      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.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      to the captain, 5 Jun 2007 @ 4:40pm

      Re: who is dorpus?

      i was reading this page and i wondered who or what is dorpus?

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    unanimous coward, 20 Jul 2005 @ 5:18am

    No Subject Given

    Shouldn't affect her adult credit. Those items will drop off in 7 years anyway, even if her parents are too dumb to get the issue resolved.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jul 2005 @ 12:58pm

    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.

    link to this | view in chronology ]


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