How would a parent go about putting a block(or something similar) on their child's credit/Social Security number to prevent someone else from using the child's SSN to obtain credit cards, auto or home loans, etc?

Do you know of someone who's trying to steal a child's identity? If so, then you can report them. I'm not sure you can do anything to prevent it. Hopefully one of the experts comes along and can help you more.

do you know of someone who's trying to steal a child's identity? if so, then you can report them. i'm not sure you can do anything to prevent it. hopefully one of the experts comes along and can help you more.

The non-custodial parent has suddenly been demanding copies of the kids' Social Security cards, claiming that they need the kids' numbers to file their taxes - but their tax return has already been submitted and returned to them.

The NCP is also involved with a number of illegal aliens. The concern is that the NCP, or one of the illegals, will inappropriately use one of the children's SSNs to obtain financing or other identification for themselves and create a boatload of issues for the child(ren).

I know there are credit protection services that track your credit and alert you to new activity. They cost money, and I have no idea how effective they are. It's worth researching, though.

Is there any way to report the NCP? Maybe report them to the social security office and tell them you suspect them of helping illegals obtain papers?

i know there are credit protection services that track your credit and alert you to new activity. they cost money, and i have no idea how effective they are. it's worth researching, though.

is there any way to report the NCP? maybe report them to the social security office and tell them you suspect them of helping illegals obtain papers?

Tried Equifax already; they say you need to be 18 to use their "blocking" service so that idea is out.

Spoke to a police officer who said it's kind of a tough call because technically, nothing has been done... yet. You can't report something that hasn't happened, but the CP also doesn't want to just wait for it to happen either. They're trying to be pro-active about it and stop it before it can happen.

Clark Howard: Credit Freeze and Thaw Guide on clarkhoward.com (http://clarkhoward.com/topics/credit_freeze_states.html)

You can freeze credit report agency online for all three major companies.

If you have an issue, the web site ClarkHoward.com Home: Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Rip-Offs on clarkhoward.com (http://www.clarkhoward.com) has a customer service line and /or email for personal help with credit issues.

Yes and I would go to the social security office and let them know what is going on with the kids social security numbers. They may have some ideas as well

And of course keep a check on the credit report, if any false info shows up, turn it in for ID theft and also get it removed from credit reports by contesting it

Great ideas; thanks everyone!