Further explanation: A Sample Occurrence
Olivia just applied for her driver’s license, for her frst credit card, and for a college loan.
Tey denied her, but why? Her Social Security number (SSN) has already been assigned to one driver’s license, three credit cards, and $15,373 in debt.
Olivia’s identity was stolen when she was only seven, and no one thought to check her credit report until now.
A Growing Problem
Children are 51 times more likely than adults to have their identity stolen. Here’s why.
Since no one expects a child to have credit until they are 18, they are the perfect target, resulting in one in ten children targeted for identity thef.
How It Happens
Most child identity thieves are trusted friends and relatives of the victim with easy access to the victim’s SSN. At least 500,000 children have had their identities stolen by a parent. Kids are also active, online and of. Teir personal information is everywhere, lying around, providing easy pickings for thieves. Schools, sports, doctors’ ofces, social media – you name it.
How to Conquer It. Be a Proactive Parent
- Sign up for an identity protection programthat ofers child credit monitoring.
- Teach your kids not to share personalinformation on the internet.
- Run a credit check for your child whenhe/she turns 16 years of age.
- When you child’s SSN is requested, ask why.
- Know the signs of child identity thef.
Te U.S. government has taken notice of this and is taking action: Social Security numbers are now randomly assigned and states must run credit checks. Source: www.csid.com
