|
Learn how to prevent child identity theft
It’s hard to believe, but children make ideal targets for identity thieves — the younger the victim, the more time available to exploit the child’s identity. A crime like this against a child in Western Michigan can go undetected for years. Why? In general, the child does not take on credit obligations until she’s 18 or older. It’s only then that the child or her parents discover the crime. She could be denied a credit card, a car loan or be turned down for student loans. She may even miss out on job opportunities if potential employers require a credit check.
Here’s the worst scenario: a criminal can represent the victim’s identity when arrested. Now, the child has a criminal record even if the criminal walks away.
Check your child’s credit report. The credit reporting agencies do not knowingly maintain credit files on children. A check of your child’s credit should turn up nothing until she turns 18 unless she is a victim of identity theft.
To obtain a credit report, you must contact one of the three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. You must send them full details on your child as well as yourself. Visit their Web sites for details.
Check for an earnings statement from the Social Security Administration. Unless your child is a victim of identity theft, there should be no earning associated with his social security number. You can get the earnings statement online at www.ssa.gov, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 or visit your local office.
Safeguard social security numbers. Shred anything with a social security number on it. Keep social security cards safe at home.
Warn your children not to give out personal information unless it’s vitally important. Explain that they should not provide such information. This is even more true when they are online.
Be leery of credit offers to your children. If you see anything suspicious, notify the credit bureaus. Then, check your child’s credit report to find out if someone is using her credit.
Get a police report. If someone hijacks your child’s identity, file a police report. Be sure to keep several copies. You’ll need the report to prove your child is a victim. Learn more by contacting the FTC at www.ftc.gov or 877-IDTHEFT.
Copyright © 2009 Cadillac News. All Rights Reserved
130 N. Mitchell St., P.O. Box 640, Cadillac, Michigan 49601-0640
Phone: 231-775-6565 Fax: 231-775-8790
E-Mail: customerservice@cadillacnews.com | 
