In today’s digital age, scammers have found new avenues to exploit unsuspecting victims, including children. Identity theft targeting kids is a growing concern, as criminals can steal their personal information and use it for fraudulent activities, often going undetected for years. Protecting children from credit fraud and identity theft is crucial to safeguard their future financial well-being.
Below, we will explore the dangers children face, the methods used by thieves, and actionable steps parents can take to mitigate the risks and respond effectively if their child’s identity is compromised.
The Risk to Children
Children, even those without an allowance, can become lucrative targets for identity thieves. By obtaining a child’s personal information, particularly their Social Security number, criminals can open lines of credit, make unauthorized purchases, or fraudulently claim government benefits. Unfortunately, parents often remain unaware of the theft until their child reaches adulthood and faces obstacles such as denied student loans or benefits.
Understanding the Threat
Identity thieves employ various tactics to gather children’s information. They scour social media platforms, exploit data breaches, search public records, engage with children in online forums, or purchase information from the Dark Web. With minimal data, these criminals can hijack social media accounts, intercept physical mail, obtain credit cards with low limits, or even change passwords to access funds. Acquiring a child’s Social Security number is particularly valuable to thieves, as it opens doors to obtaining loans or government benefits.
Preventive Measures
Parents can take proactive steps to protect their children from credit fraud and identity theft. The first line of defense is to freeze the child’s credit. This restricts anyone, including the parent or child, from opening new credit accounts using the child’s Social Security number. It is advisable to initiate a credit freeze as soon as the child is assigned a Social Security number. Contact each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian—to request a credit check for the child and freeze their credit. Regularly monitoring suspicious activity is crucial, and parents can obtain credit reports from all three bureaus through annualcreditreport.com as often as weekly.
Ongoing Protection
As children grow older, it is essential to continue safeguarding their personal information. Keep important documents such as birth certificates and Social Security cards in a secure location. Be cautious when sharing a child’s information, especially their Social Security number, and only provide it through secure means. Parents should be aware of their child’s online activities and educate them about the risks of sharing personal data on social media platforms or collaborative game sites. Parental oversight and conversations about online safety play a vital role in protecting children’s identities.
Responding to Identity Theft
If parents suspect their child’s identity has been stolen, prompt action is necessary. They should report their concerns, document all relevant information, and obtain a theft report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The theft report will guide parents through the necessary steps to undo the damage caused by identity theft. While some cases can be resolved within 30 days, more complex thefts may take years to fully resolve.
Protecting children from identity theft requires vigilance and proactive measures from both parents and children themselves. By taking these steps, parents can safeguard their children’s identities and prevent potential financial ruin in the future.