“One in 50” short documentary exposes financial and emotional toll of child identity theft

LSEG Risk Intelligence has today released “One in 50” a 19 minute documentary that follows survivor Renata Galvão, an LSEG employee, whose identity was stolen at the age of six.

Her stolen identity was used to create companies, and when those businesses collapsed, young Renata – listed as the legal owner on paper – was left with over USD $400,000 in alleged debt. Her story reflects a growing trend: children are increasingly targeted by fraudsters creating synthetic identities, leaving damage that often remains undetected for years. 

Organisations including Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) and Child Identity Protection have welcomed the opportunity to shine a spotlight on this issue. 

Renata Galvão, Channel Partner Manager at LSEG Risk Intelligence and subject of the documentary said: “I discovered debt in my name before I even had a credit card. Sharing my story is the only way to stop this happening to other kids.”

David White, Global Head of Product & Data, LSEG Risk Intelligence, added: “The data show that children’s credentials are a prime target for organised crime. Age logic flags, strong verification checks and data sharing can close the gap quickly if industry acts together, we need to prevent children being easy targets from criminals.”

Mia Dambach, Executive Director at Children’s Identity Protection (CHIP), commented: “Child identity theft is no longer a niche crime and needs a policy response. Films like ‘One in 50’ brings this issue to life and can move regulators and parents to demand better systemic protection of children’s identity rights.”