Protecting Your Childs Identity from Fraud
Children should be equally protected from identity theft just as much as adults. In fact, childhood identity theft is becoming more and more popular due to the amount of adult consumers that are taking precaution with their identity. A child’s identity is an easy target due to the fact that parents rarely monitor their child’s credit and most children will not access their own credit to even find out they have become victims of fraud until they are 18 years of age. As a parent, it is your duty to protect your child’s identity.
Theft Warning Signs
A parent should always know the warning signs that their child’s identity has already been stolen. Some of the more popular warning signs are:
*When opening your child’s savings account you notice they have accounts in their name already.
*Your child is denied credit or a bank account.
*Pre-approved credit card offers start arriving in the mail for your child.
*Bank statements, credit card statements and other bills arrive in the mail for your child.
*Collection agencies begin calling for your child.
*An arrest warrant is issued for your child.
*Your child is unable to get a driver’s license because a license has already been issued to their social security number.
How to Protect Your Child’s Identity
Your child’s identity should be protected as though it were your own. When they get old enough to understand credit and their identity, you should teach them how to protect themselves and guide them to the right methods. As a parent, there are a few steps you can take to protect your child’s identity until they are old enough to do so themselves:
*Be cautious about who you give your child’s personal information to. Ask why a company or individual needs that information and how they will safeguard it in the event you do give it to them.
*Never carry your child’s social security card with you.
*Never put your child’s personal information over the internet, no matter what.
*Order your child’s credit report periodically to see if there is anything on it.