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Can a financial institution run a credit report on a two year old without the permission of the child's parent?

Last Updated: February 03, 2012

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According to the Federal Trade Commission, the credit reporting agencies do not knowingly maintain credit files on minor children. If you suspect that your minor child's information has been used fraudulently, you should contact the credit reporting agencies directly and report the illegal use of your child's information to law enforcement. You will need to supply each credit reporting agency with your child's complete name, address, date of birth, and a copy of the minor child's birth certificate and Social Security card. Additionally, you will need to provide a copy of your driver's license or other government-issued proof of your identity, which includes your current address, and a current utility bill containing your current address so the credit reporting agencies may promptly respond to your request.

The mailing addresses for the credit reporting agencies are listed below:

- Equifax P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374

- Experian P.O. Box 9532 Allen, TX 75013

- TransUnion P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834

These companies have a history of changing their mailing addresses periodically, however, so do an online search at the time that you need to contact them.

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