Protecting Children From Identity Theft

Did you know that children are just as at risk of identity theft as an adult? What's worse, if their identity is stolen it might go unnoticed for years.

Adults aren't the only ones have their identity stolen. Children, even newborns, are vulnerable to becoming victims of identity theft and the results can be just as devastating and long-lasting for them as it is for adults. Many times the person committing this crime is a family member or friend of the family.

ID theft can go undetected

Criminals target children because the identity theft can go undetected for a long time allowing the perpetrator ample opportunity to damage your child's credit. This crime may not be discovered until your child goes to open their first bank account or denied a college loan. It can even result in the police coming to your door to arrest your child for a crime they never committed.

Children are just as vulnerable to identity theft as adults but protecting them from this crime is up to their parents or guardians.

How you can help protect your child's identity:

• Tell your kids never to share their personal information unless it's absolutely necessary or have them ask you if it's OK before they do. They need to be taught not to share passwords, their Social Security number, bank account information, including PIN numbers, or any other personal data.
  
  
• If someone asks you for a copy of your child's birth certificate or social security number, ask why it's necessary. There will be times when this is necessary - during school registration for example - but always question whether it is absolutely necessary. Also, don't hesitate to ask the party requesting the information exactly how it will be stored and who, if anybody, besides them will have access to the information.
  
  
• Don't carry Social Security cards around with you. Leave them at home.
  
  
• If bills and pre-approved credit card offers arrive in your child's name, find out why. Don't toss the savings account statement because "you know" that your four year old hasn't made any withdrawals.
  
  
• Maintain password integrity. Older children with PINs or sensitive passwords should be taught to change them regularly. Tell them not to use their mother's maiden name or birth date as a password. Have them store all electronic devices (cell phones, PDAs, laptops) securely. If your child's school uses Social Security numbers as ID, ask about alternatives.
  
  
• Your child is entitled to one free credit report each year. Make sure you get one and look it over carefully for irregularities. Most of us should find no credit activity on their child's credit report. It should either be blank or there should be no credit report at all. Finding nothing on your child's credit report is no guarantee of safety but it's a good sign.
  
  
• Credit reporting companies now have staff trained in juvenile identity theft. If you suspect your child's identity has been stolen, contact them and tell them why you suspect fraud.

Children and Identity Theft Links: