Sheila B: I was just wondering how would I know if someone was using my kids social security number? How can I prevent this from happening?
JW: Sheila, it’s hard to believe, but more and more minors are becoming victims of Identity Theft. This is a good scam for fraud artists, because most people aren’t thinking about their kids’ credit until they approach 18. But in many cases kids whose identities are stolen are very young, which means these crimes could go undetected for many years. So, how can you protect your child’s personal information? We found some great tips from researchers at the University of Florida.
First of all, try not to carry your child’s social security card, or let them carry it, and complain if their school uses their social security number to identify them. Make sure you talk to your kids about not sharing too much personal information online, and about the dangers of “phishing” – those emails from scam artists that ask for personal information. Monitor any mail coming in for your kids, because credit card offers or debt collection notices could mean that there’s already a problem with your child’s identity. Check with each of the credit bureaus to see if a credit report exists in the names of each of your kids, and if so ask for a copy.
3 Comments on "How Can I Protect My Child From Identity Theft?"
Kari Hart
I have seen a trend recently that worries me. Parents are putting the names of their entire families on the rear of the family vehicle. There will be silhouettes of mom, dad, and the kids, with the names above the figures. As a law enforcement officer, I can’t help but think they are making their children easy prey for those monsters. Is there a way that AMW can get the word out to viewers how dangerous this could be?
James Long Eagle Kilgore
Let me give you tips to protect yourself from ID Theft:
1. Don’t received applications by mail.
2. Do research on Credit Card Companies.
3. Contact your financial institutions.
4. If you don’t recognize the bank, it may not be real.
Identity Theft is the quickest problem in the United States.
cascade
Kids love getting mail “with” their own name on the package or envelope. never put book club orders or anything in their names. if you slip on even a payment, their credit is already marked. Always use store bought cards with your name and info if needed. I know of parents who have had even utilities put in their kids names, cause their credit and bill oweing was so horrible, it was the only way for them to get Electric of gas on. Kids grew up and got their own first Apartments only to find they owed so much money, they couldn’t have utilities. BAD PARENTS,how horribly illegal and dispicable.
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