Child 身份盗窃: A hidden but real danger
Thieves use children's information for credit fraud, so don't let it go undiscovered.
Chances are you shred or secure any paperwork that contains personally identifying information, such as your Social 安全 number or birth date. But do you do the same for your children?
你应该. 超过 one million children were victims of identify theft or fraud in 2017. Youngsters' personal information is appealing to thieves who can use it to build a clean credit profile w在这里 one doesn't currently exist. Another reason: It takes longer to get caught.
Adults may be actively involved in the credit world, 检查语句和分数, but parents don't tend to check their children's credit, so thieves can do more damage over an extended amount of time.
好消息是, 只需几个简单的步骤, you can better safeguard your children's personal information and pursue any problems on their behalf.
问问题
Many schools and extracurricular programs ask for kids' Social 安全 numbers and other personally identifying information for them to participate. Ask why they need this information, and whether it's mandatory. If it's required – ask how they will keep the information secured. Then determine whether you're comfortable with that level of protection.
Know warning signs of child 身份盗窃
Receiving mail in a child's name could be a warning sign. 其中包括:
- 收集通知,
- 账单或新信用卡，
- 交通违章令，或者
- 陪审团召唤.
不要索要信用报告
Resist the temptation to check for a credit report in your child's name as a preventive measure unless you have a strong suspicion or know for certain that your child's identity has been compromised.
采取行动
If you suspect fraud you'll also want to contact the 联邦贸易委员会 to get help measuring the scope of the problem, and then file a report with your local police department. 有可能a 信贷冻结 could help alleviate the situation in the future.
促进隐私
获取更多关于 身份盗窃 来自州立农场®. 要增加安全性，请查看 身份盗窃pp王者电子官网.
