Criminals love youngsters because they can mortgage their innocent futures with little consequence. Children and infants are attractive targets for identity thieves because their Social Security numbers (SSNs) are clean and unused. Thieves can use these SSNs to apply for credit, open bank accounts, or obtain government benefits, and the fraudulent activity may go undetected for years.
Consequences of Identity Theft for Children
If a child’s identity is stolen, it can have long-lasting consequences. By the time the child grows up and applies for credit or financial services, they may find that their credit history is damaged, and they may encounter difficulties obtaining loans, credit cards, or even employment.
How Identity Theft Occurs: Identity theft can occur through various means, including data breaches, phishing scams targeting parents, or even theft of physical documents containing the child’s personal information.
What Parents Should Do?
Secure Personal Information: Store documents containing your child’s personal information, such as their Social Security card, birth certificate, and medical records, in a safe and secure location.
Limit Sharing of SSNs: Be cautious about sharing your child’s SSN, especially on forms or online platforms that may not have strong security measures in place.
Monitor for Signs of Identity Theft: Regularly monitor your child’s credit report for any suspicious activity. While children typically don’t have credit reports until they start using credit, you can still contact the credit bureaus to inquire about the existence of a report in your child’s name.
Be Vigilant Against Scams: Be wary of any communications, such as emails or phone calls, requesting personal information about your child. Identity thieves may attempt to trick parents into providing sensitive information through various scams.
Implement a Credit Freeze: You can request a credit freeze for your child’s credit reports, which can prevent identity thieves from opening accounts in their name.
Educate Family Members: Make sure that family members, such as grandparents or other caregivers, are also aware of the importance of safeguarding your child’s personal information.
Report Suspected Identity Theft: If you suspect that your child’s identity has been stolen, report it to the three major credit bureaus, the FTC)and local law enforcement agency. The FTC provides guidance on steps to take to recover from identity theft, including creating an Identity Theft Report and notifying credit bureaus and affected financial institutions.
Walt Houser 