Child identity theft occurs when a child's Social Security number is used to apply for government benefits, open a bank and credit cards , apply for a loan or even rent accommodation. Social Security numbers are the most common information used by identity thieves targeting children. In fact, 56% of respondents reported the theft or misuse of a child's SSN; one study found that 2.5 percent of American households with children under the age of 18 have been victims of child identity fraud at some point during their child's life. This equates to one in 40 households with minor children affected by this crime.