Beware Identity Theft: Children, Teens
Identity theft is a serious threat to children and teens, who are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals.
Identity theft is a serious crime that can happen to anyone, including children and teens. In fact, young individuals are increasingly becoming targets for identity theft due to their clean credit histories and the fact that they may not discover the theft until much later in life. Parents and guardians should be vigilant in protecting their children’s identities and educating them about the dangers of sharing personal information online.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully obtains and uses another person’s personal information, such as their name, Social Security number, or credit card details, to commit fraud or other crimes. This can result in financial loss, damaged credit, and other problems for the victim. Children and teens are particularly vulnerable to identity theft because their personal information may be easier to access, and they may not be as vigilant in monitoring their credit reports.
How do children and teens become targets?
Children and teens can become targets for identity theft through various means, including data breaches at schools or hospitals, sharing personal information on social media, or falling victim to phishing scams. Once a criminal has access to a young person’s personal information, they can use it to open credit accounts, apply for loans, or even commit crimes in their name.
Signs that your child’s identity may be stolen
Several signs may indicate that your child’s identity has been stolen, including receiving bills or credit card statements in their name, being denied government benefits due to a duplicate Social Security number, or noticing unauthorized charges on their credit report. Be vigilant and monitor your child’s financial and personal information for any suspicious activity.
Teach your child about online safety.
It is crucial to teach your child about online safety and the risks associated with sharing personal information on the Internet. Please encourage them to use strong, unique passwords for each online account, avoid clicking on suspicious links or pop-ups, and refrain from sharing personal information with strangers online.
Monitor your child’s online activity.
Parents should monitor their children’s online activity and set limits on the websites they visit and the information they share. Consider using parental control software to restrict access to certain websites and track your child’s online behavior.
Secure personal information at home
Keep essential documents containing personal information, such as Social Security cards, birth certificates, and passports, in a secure location at home. Shred any documents containing sensitive information before disposing of them, and consider investing in a safe or lockbox for added protection.
Be cautious with social media.
Remind your child to be cautious when sharing personal information on social media platforms. Encourage them to review their privacy settings regularly and avoid posting sensitive information, such as their address or phone number, online.
Safeguard your child’s school records.
Ensure your child’s school maintains strict protocols for safeguarding student records and personal information. Please inquire about the school’s data security measures and request that they limit access to sensitive information to authorized personnel only.
What to do if your child’s identity is stolen
If you suspect your child’s identity has been stolen, act quickly to limit the damage. Contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your child’s credit reports, notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of the identity theft, and file a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
Reporting identity theft to the authorities
It is important to report identity theft involving children and teens to the authorities. Contact your local police department and file a report detailing the theft. Additionally, consider contacting the FTC and reporting the theft through their online portal for identity theft victims.
Resources for protecting children and teens from identity theft
Several resources are available to help parents and guardians protect their children from identity theft. The FTC offers a wealth of information on prevention and recovery, including tips for safeguarding personal information and steps to take if your child’s identity is stolen. Additionally, consider contacting credit monitoring services that offer family plans to monitor your child’s credit reports for any suspicious activity.
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