You have probably heard of senior citizens becoming victims of identity fraud. Many seniors are unaware of the length that identity thieves will go to get the money and information that they need. But there are other identity theft and fraud victims that you may not realize. Many parents are discovering that their children’s information has been stolen, and often from an institution that they trusted. Identity theft prevention must occur earlier as a way to protect everyone from identity thieves.
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.
Identity theft prevention for your child can never start too early. You would be amazed at how many identity theft victims there are under the age of eighteen. If you are careful about giving out your child’s personal information, then you can help reduce the likelihood that they will become a victim of identity theft. Keep them safe and you will be helping them for the future.
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