Child identity theft occurs when a minor's Social Security number is used to apply for government benefits, open bank and credit cards, apply for a loan, or even rent a place . Social Security numbers are the most commonly used information by identity thieves who target children. In fact, 56% of respondents reported the theft or misuse of a child's SSN; one study found that 2.5% of U.S. families with children under 18 have experienced identity fraud on their children at some point in their children's lives. This equates to one in 40 families with minor children being affected by this crime