The kids aren't alright

Reaching one's 18th birthday comes with perks and privileges -- you can vote and get a car loan.

For an increasing number of teens, the milestone also brings a credit crisis.

Child identity theft -- by relatives and strangers alike -- is a growing problem across the nation.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that in 2006, 5 percent of identity theft complaints came from people younger than 18.

The same report found that 10,080 Illinois residents filed complaints, of which 4 percent were from people under the age of 18.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates more than 500,000 children are victims of identity theft each year.

In many cases, the thief is the last person you'd expect.

The Identity Theft Resource Center estimates that in more than half of child identity theft cases, relatives are involved.

"People have bad credit, and they are desperate," said Sheila Gordon, victim services director for the San Diego-based center. "They need a phone or cell phone or to turn on utilities. They can't establish it on their own … and they have that Social Security number and name there."

In most cases of identity theft, a victim's existing account information is used. But when a child is a victim, new accounts are created, making it easier for the thief to obtain fresh credit.

Elgin police Detective Jim Roscher, who works in the department's financial crimes unit, said he has seen instances of family members selling a child's Social Security number for employment, to obtain a car loan or to get a relative into the country.

"We know they are out there, but it usually takes a while to figure," Roscher said. "If they are using their child's Social Security number, they certainly are not going to call us."

The ID theft resource center suggests parents check their children's credit report at least once a year. Any activity could indicate fraud.

"Children are not going to use their Social Security numbers until they apply for credit cards," Gordon said. "They should have perfect credit and aren't checking their credit scores. They don't realize someone is using their number for years."

That allows identity thieves to rack up sizable damage.

Four years ago, when Alicia Melendez of Carpentersville applied for a job at a Target store as a 16-year-old, she uncovered a situation that still isn't cleared up.

Someone else had been using her Social Security number since she was 11.

Ambrosio DeJesus-Flores, 39, of West Chicago, was charged earlier this month with identity theft. In Illinois, identity theft is a felony. DeJesus-Flores faces four to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Police say DeJesus-Flores bought the number in Chicago for $200.

Over nine years, police say, DeJesus-Flores used the number to secure a $149,000 mortgage on his home, maintain employment, obtain cell phone service and register two vehicles.

At the same time, Melendez said she was denied employment, cell phone service and almost missed out on student loans from Elgin Community College.

"It has been hard for me because when I go for a job interview I am hoping and praying that it won't come up," Melendez said. "I still can't get a job. I can't get my license and I can't rent an apartment."

To prevent Melendez's two younger stepsisters from a similar misfortune, Robert Short, Melendez's stepfather, has placed security holds on his children's credit reports.

A security hold, by companies such as Lifelock, prevent new accounts from being established before first contacting the individual.

"They are at the age where they are going to apply for jobs," Melendez said. "It has been hard for me, and I don't want them to go through it."

How to protect a child's identity

The Identity Theft Resource Center (www.idtheftcenter.org) offers these tips for parents to safeguard their child's identity.

• Do not carry your own or your child's Social Security card with you.

• If a Social Security number is requested by a school or doctor's office, ask if another number can be used instead.

• Include your child's name on opt-out lists for pre-approved credit cards.

• Teach your children to shred any documentation that contains personal information.

• Run a credit report once a year to make sure there is no activity under your child's Social Security number. Any activity could signal fraud.