Protecting Your Child's Personal Information at School Is a Critical Step to Prevent Fraud

Many parents don't realize just how important it is to be vigilant with a child's personal and sensitive information at school until it's too late

For parents, the start of a new school year usually means completing registration forms, health forms, emergency contact forms, and other required paperwork. Many of these forms request personal and sensitive details about your child that, if exposed or stolen, could be used to commit fraud or identity theft. Criminals can use this information to open accounts, apply for benefits, or even create false identities that may not be discovered for years. Protecting your child's information at school is a critical step in preventing these crimes.

Age of the victim does not matter

Identity thieves target information that will bring the biggest payoff, and a victim’s age is irrelevant. Criminals can easily use a child’s Social Security number to apply for credit cards, get government benefits, or rent housing. Because minors generally have no credit history, fraudulent activity in their names often goes unnoticed until they are older and apply for a job, student loan, or credit card. Just as criminals target seniors for financial scams, they will exploit children’s data if given the opportunity.

Child identity theft often goes undetected

Most parents do not think to check whether their child has a credit file. As a result, fraudulent accounts created in a child’s name can remain active for years without detection. By the time the child applies for a driver’s license, loan, or college admission, the damage may already be extensive. Some victims discover accounts in collections, tax issues, or even criminal records linked to their personal information.

Laws that help safeguard student records

There are federal and state laws designed to protect student information. At the federal level, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), enforced by the U.S. Department of Education, grants parents of school-age children the right to access their child’s education records, request corrections, and opt out of sharing certain directory information. FERPA also limits when and to whom schools can release a student’s records without consent.

In North Carolina, the Identity Theft Protection Act requires schools, like any other organization that maintains personal information, to notify individuals if their data is involved in a security breach. This law also gives parents the right to place a free security freeze on a minor’s credit file with each of the three nationwide credit bureaus, blocking the creation of new credit accounts in the child’s name until the freeze is lifted.

Key FERPA rights for parents and eligible students

• Parents or eligible students (age 18 or older) can inspect and review education records. Schools are not required to provide copies unless distance or other factors make in-person review impossible. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
• Parents or eligible students can request that records be corrected if they believe the information is inaccurate or misleading. If the school refuses, they have the right to a formal hearing and to add a statement to the record if disagreement continues.
• Schools generally must have written consent before releasing education records, but FERPA allows some exceptions for specific parties and conditions such as court orders or audits.

Disclosure without consent

Schools can disclose “directory” information without consent, such as a student’s name, address, phone number, date and place of birth, honors, awards, and dates of attendance. However, they must first inform parents and eligible students, giving them time to opt out. Annual notice of these rights is required, and schools may choose their notification method, such as a handbook, newsletter, or direct letter.

What parents can do

• Ask who has access to your child’s personal information and confirm that records are stored securely, whether on paper or electronically.
• Before providing personal information, ask how it will be used, whether it will be shared, and with whom.
• Review your school’s FERPA notice and understand your opt-out rights for directory information.
• Check whether your school collects survey information and review any materials before they are distributed, as allowed under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).
• Minimize the amount of personal information shared on forms, providing only what is required.
• If your child’s school experiences a data breach, respond immediately. In NC, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Family Policy Compliance Office and report the incident to the NC Attorney General’s Office.

Additional protections for NC families

North Carolina offers specific resources to help parents protect a child’s identity:

• Security Freeze for Minors: You can place a free security freeze on your child’s credit file with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent new accounts from being opened. Instructions and forms are available on each bureau’s website.
• NC DOJ Identity Theft Protection Packet: The NC Department of Justice provides a downloadable packet to help victims dispute fraudulent accounts, correct credit reports, and contact necessary agencies. This packet includes sample dispute letters and detailed steps for restoring a child’s identity.
• NC Consumer Protection Division: Parents can call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM to speak with a consumer protection specialist about suspected identity theft involving a minor.

Steps if your child becomes a victim

If you discover or suspect that your child’s personal information has been used fraudulently, act quickly:

• Contact all three credit bureaus to request a credit report in your child’s name and to place a fraud alert or security freeze.
• Dispute any fraudulent accounts in writing with each bureau and the affected creditors.
• File an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission.
• Take the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit to your local police department to file a report. Keep copies of both documents; together they form an official Identity Theft Report.
• Notify your child’s school if records were compromised so they can take steps to protect other students and improve security measures.

By staying informed, using your rights under FERPA and North Carolina law, and taking proactive security measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of your child becoming a victim of identity theft. Protecting this information today can prevent years of financial and legal complications in the future.