Keeping your child’s personal information safe is very important. Thieves often target children for identity theft because kids usually have no credit history, and misuse might not be noticed for years. This guide explains what child identity theft is and gives you steps to protect your child’s future.
Understanding Child Identity Theft
Child identity theft happens when someone uses a child’s personal information, like their Social Security number (SSN), to do bad things. This might mean opening credit cards, getting government benefits, or taking out loans. Many kids and parents don’t know this has happened until the child grows up and finds problems like being denied credit or having debts they didn’t make.
Why Do Thieves Target Children?
- No Credit History: Kids usually don’t have credit, so thieves like to use their clean records.
- Takes a Long Time to Notice: Since children don’t use credit, misuse might not be found for years.
- Easy to Get Information: Personal details are often shared in school forms, medical records, and online, making it easier for thieves to steal.
How Do Thieves Steal Identities?
- Data Breaches: Hackers break into databases with personal info.
- Phishing Scams: Trick people into giving away personal info through fake messages.
- Oversharing Online: Sharing too much on social media helps thieves get info.
- Stealing Mail: Taking documents with personal info from mailboxes.
Signs Your Child’s Identity Has Been Stolen
- Getting Credit Offers: Your child gets credit card offers or bank statements.
- Government Letters: Your child gets mail about taxes or benefits.
- Collection Calls: Debt collectors call about bills in your child’s name.
How to Protect Your Child
- Keep Documents Safe: Store birth certificates and Social Security numbers securely.
- Share Less Information: Only give out your child’s personal info when it’s necessary.
- Watch Online Activity: Teach your child about online safety and keep an eye on their internet use.
- Check Credit Reports: Now and then, see if your child has a credit report. If they do, someone may be using their identity.
- Freeze Their Credit: You can freeze your child’s credit to stop others from opening accounts in their name.
What to Do If Your Child’s Identity Is Stolen
- Report to the FTC: Go to IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft and get a recovery plan.
- Contact Credit Bureaus: Tell Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to put a fraud alert and freeze on your child’s credit.
- Tell Businesses: Contact companies where fake accounts were opened to close them and remove charges.
- File a Police Report: Give a copy of the FTC report to your local police.
How Schools and Doctors Can Help
Schools and doctors collect a lot of personal info. You should:
- Ask About Data Safety: Find out how they keep your child’s info safe and who can see it.
- Opt Out When You Can: Choose not to share info when it’s not necessary.
Teach Your Child
Help your child understand the importance of keeping personal info private. Talk about:
- Privacy Matters: Explain why some information should stay secret.
- Being Safe Online: Encourage them to use strong passwords and be careful about what they share online.
Conclusion
Keeping your child’s identity safe takes effort and attention. By knowing what to watch for and using the steps above, you can help protect your child’s personal info and their future.