Most people associate identity theft victims with older individuals. This is true to a certain extent. But there are many identity theft and fraud victims who are minors. How can this be? It happens to children whose social security numbers and personal information are taken from seemingly secure sources. Identity theft prevention has to start at a very early age. There are some surprisingly easy steps that anyone can take to help protect their child’s information.
One way to begin identity theft prevention for your child at an early age is to be aware of when and how you use their social security number. Most schools need to have their social security numbers but far too often teachers will have you fill out personal information sheets for the teacher’s use in the classroom. You do not have to list your child’s personal information on these sheets. If the teacher asks for the child’s social security number, then inquire why they need it. The same goes for daycare centers, activity groups or any organization that asks for it.
If the group claims that they need it for identification purposes, then you can always go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles and ask for an identification card. Just explain to the organization that preventing identity theft is of great importance to you. There are countless news stories of an identity thief using a child’s information to create a new identity for themselves. The information provided to the organization could be easily stolen. You can do your part to stop identity theft before it begins by just using this little bit of common sense.
If you are worried that your child’s information has been compromised by a loved one or a care giver, then you need to report identity theft right away to the proper authorities. The identity thief needs to be caught and then appropriately punished for his or her actions. This will help you correct all of the information on the credit reports. Yes, even children who have had their identity stolen will have a credit report.
Give your child a bright start to their future by practicing identity theft prevention early. There are far too many identity theft victims who are younger than eighteen years of age. This can ruin their credit and hopes for a car, a job and even entrance into college. Keep your child’s information safe and be judicial about who has access to that information.
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