Identity theft continues to rise, and the latest trend is
even more alarming: child ID theft. These crimes are even more difficult to
solve because it sometimes takes years before anyone discovers them. It’s
important to take steps early in your child’s life in order to ensure he or she
doesn’t become a victim before even graduating from high school.
Identity Theft
Criminals now Target Children
The newest trend in identity theft is one that will be even
more difficult to solve unless we take measure immediately. Children and
identity theft are the new targets of these criminals, and they love this group
because it is often years before anyone any discovers a discrepancy. The
problem is by the time anyone notices, the criminal is long gone, and the
victim is left on his own trying to prove the information is fraudulent since
it occurred before he turned eighteen. Have you ever looked at a discouraged
teen that can’t get a loan for college because of information he or she didn’t
know was on the credit history? I’ve seen those sad looks, and you’re at a loss
to tell the child what to do: saying it will all work out doesn’t work. Some of
the things you can do to ensure the protection of your children’s identities
include the following:
- Review your children’s credit reports on a routine basis
- Do not carry any social security cards with you unless you are going to need them for a particular trip
- When your children are old enough to understand discourage them from giving out personal information too freely
- Avoid giving out the social security numbers of your children unless you know the person asking actually needs it (insurance, schools, doctors, etc.)
Reporting Theft of a
Social Security Card
A social security theft report is an essential part of
controlling the problem with identity theft. The longer people allow the
problem to continue without reporting it, the longer it will continue.
Remember: when you don’t report this crime it sends out the message that you
don’t care about your identity and personal information. This will encourage the
criminals to continue committing the crime assuming you will allow them to
continue getting by with it. On the other hand when you take the time to report
every incident that involves theft and misuse of your personal information the
thieves will eventually realize you are not someone who will tolerate their
illegal actions.
How to Fight the
Growing Problem
How do we fight identity theft? The only real way to fight
this problem is for everyone to be very careful to whom they provide their
personal information. It is also essential to follow up on every possible
questionable transaction on your credit card or bank statement. Make it a point
to keep an eye on your credit report so you know if there is anything
questionable. Finally and most importantly be willing to prosecute the
criminals if an investigation reveals their identity. If everyone was
consistent in doing these things we could get better control of the problem and
possibly eventually put an end to it.You can find out more information about child identity theft by visiting our website at Legal-Yogi .
