Child identity theft occurs when someone steals a child's personal information without their knowledge and all the problems that an adult experiences when their identity is stolen happen to a child. Minors are easy targets for scammers because they don’t normally check their credit reports so the identity theft can go on for years before being noticed. And … the thief gets a clean credit history.
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College students are particularly at risk. Many colleges and universities use the student’s Social Security number as their student ID, and students are often bombarded with credit card offers. Because students move often and may not forward their mail, sensitive information such as pre-approved credit card offers and student loan letters may fall into the wrong hands.
Interesting Stats:
- Nearly 500,000 children each year are victims of identity theft. (MSNBC, 2005)
- The thief is often known to the child
- Identity theft against minors can go undetected for years since children do not often check their credit reports.
- ID thieves can obtain a minor’s Social Security number and personal information from many sources, including medical records, school files and online social networks.
Prevention:
1) Do not carry your child’s Social Security number in your wallet.
2) Don't share your child’s personal information.
3) College students should lock away their personal information. It is not uncommon for victims to have their information stolen by roommates.
4) Make sure you send and receive mail in a locked mailbox, and to fill out a change of address form with the Post Office each time you change residences.
Companies like TrustedID not only protect your credit and identity, they will also monitor the credit of your whole family. Too many people make the mistake of monitoring their own credit scores and forget about their family and the results can be devastating.