How can a minor report identity theft?
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How can a minor report identity theft?
I am a librarian for the City of Commerce. A 17 year-old patron came in and stated that he was unable to open a savings account because of a bad credit report. He stated that the report showed that he was delinquent on a loan payment which he had never applied for. He called the credit reporting agency and they would not give him any information because he is a minor nor would they provide information to his parents because they are not legal citizens. He stated that he also called the loan company and had the same results. What does he need to do to get this resolved?
Asked on July 20, 2010 under Bankruptcy Law, California
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The poor kid. It is true that because he is a minor he will need to have someone act on his behalf. If his parents are in a situation that they can not do so then they need to hire someone to help him. Even if it is legal aid or legal services of some sort he has to go and get help. Have them try a local bar association and see if there is a pro bono division for credit counseling or credit fraud. The credit reporting agency is hiding behind the citizen status of his parents. I can not imagine that they even asked such a a question and that it is legal to do so but now they have it written in their record and future efforts are futile. Have them be very cautious of these credit repair agencies that offer to help. They can rip you off. You can check on the website for the attorney general's office to see if there are agencies listed that can help. Good luck to him. And you for trying to help.
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