Definition:
The theft of a child's identity by his or her parents. Parents will sometimes steal their children's identity to open credit card accounts, utility accounts, bank accounts, and even to take out loans or secure leases because their own credit history is insufficient or too damaged to open such accounts.
Parent/Child identity theft may occur more often than many people realize, especially in economically depressed areas. It can sometimes take 10-15 years for the crime to be discovered, and even when it is, it's not often reported because it is a familial crime.
Also Known As: Child Identity Theft
Examples: When she tried to apply for financial aid for college, Sheila discovered she was the victim of parent/child identity theft.