Children and Identity Theft
Children are easy targets, they have a clean slate and available to an identity thief.
Here’s a problem we hear all too often -
the child’s identity was stolen by a parent or close relative.
In tough economic times, some people become desperate and do not take into consideration the long term effects that stealing a child’s identity will have.
This is an excellent explanation from the Identity Theft Resource Center on Child Identity Theft - HERE.
Recently, there a TV station surveyed local high school students and asked them if they knew what identity theft was and if they were concerned. Unfortunately, even though the large majority were aware of some aspect of identity theft, only a very small handful of students thought they should be concerned about being a victim.
Watch it here
Just as many parents still think, “That won’t happen to me.” or they may think, “It happens to someone else, not me!” Well, as I’m writing this page, YOU are someone else to me. Anyone can be a victim, rich or poor, regardless of color, race or age.
Statistics vary, although the reported cases of children becoming victims of identity theft in 2005:
400,000 Children became victims in 2008
What I want you to understand is this is REPORTED cases of identity theft, the actual number is much larger.
College students are also targeted victims for identity thieves. Let’s be honest, with the vast majority of students today not knowing or understanding the importance of protecting their PII, college students may be just as lackadaisical losing their wallet or purse and not caring about the far reaching life problems that may unfold.
Here are some things to consider:
1. Your children should not have a credit file in their name
2. A Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert is good, they will not search to find if there has been any activity with their information.
3. Educate - Educate - Educate your children on the importance of protecting their Personal Identifiable Information (PII)
4. Watch for information with your children’s name on that you find suspicious
- Credit Card Application
- Collection Letters
- Caller ID with their name
- Utility bills, etc.
5. Own identity theft coverage that will investigate and restore your child’s identity if it has been compromised.
This is just a short list, be vigilant,
teach your children about Identity Theft.
