Protect Your Kids From Identity Theft
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Identity thieves and fraudsters do not discriminate! Keeping your kids safe online in an increasingly digital world is a major task — not just for parents but for the whole community, like they say it takes a village. Which is where we come in! Because U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe, we are sharing some good and vetted resources to help parents and educators stay on top of online safety.
Child Identity Theft occurs when someone steals a minor’s personal information to their advantage for benefits, services, and/or to commit fraud. To attempt this, they will use a child’s name, date of birth, address, and social security number (among other private information) to falsify an application for a rental unit or utilities, apply for financial accounts like credit cards/loans, or benefits supplemented by the government for health benefits or food.
ASK QUESTIONS
You can stay on top of the identity theft of your child’s personal information by staying vigilant and aware. Ask questions before giving anyone information that you know should be secured:
- Why do they need it?
- How do they protect it?
- Can you use a different identification method?
- Is it possible to use only the last four digits of the Social Security number?
GUARD IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Keep important documents in a safe place, like a fireproof/waterproof document holder or a lockable file cabinet. If you scan them onto a computer, make sure you encrypt those files. And don’t forget, important documents don’t just end at Social Security cards or passports. Many documents like medical bills and airline tickets store information that should be secured.
BE SAFE IN DISPOSAL
Keeping documents isn’t the only time you need to stay safe. Getting rid of documents takes a bit of care as well! Shredding important documents that you no longer need is a great way to keep your information guarded.
UMe Pro Tip: Many office supply stores will shred your documents for a small fee if you do not have a shredder at your fingertips.
Don’t just stop at physical documents. Personal devices like computers, tablets, and phones probably contain enough personal information about you or your child to leave you vulnerable. A quick web search should help you delete that information for good, safely and securely!
BE WARNED AND STAY ALERT
Some warning signs that someone has stolen your child’s personal information might be an official letter from the IRS about unpaid income taxes, a denial of government benefits because someone has claimed them already, a loan denial due to bad credit, or you might get a call about an overdue bill in your child’s name that you know nothing of!
IT DOESN’T HURT TO CHECK
Check to see if your child has a credit report. Typically, a minor wouldn’t have one at all unless someone has used their personal information fraudulently. Contact the three credit bureaus (U can find their contact information at IdentityTheft.gov) and request a manual search for your child’s Social Security number. You will likely have to give the credit bureaus proof of your and your child’s identification, so have a government issued ID ready along with proof of address, and ID for your child like their birth certificate and Social Security card. (Please note: Legal guardians will have to produce proof that they are the child’s guardian.)
The FTC recommends checking when your child turns 16. That way, if there is a credit report to fix, you have some time before they apply for college or car loans, a credit card, employment, or housing.
Source: FTC.gov, Equifax, Experian
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If U suspect that your child or children are victims of identity theft, download this online brochure from the FTC: Child Identity Theft – What to Know, What to Do or visit IdentityTheft.gov
Want more tips on how to keep your kids safe online? Check out this blog post!
If you have questions or need help that is more customized for U, just give us a call or shoot us an email. We’re more than happy to help — helping is our favorite!
Disclaimer: U matter to Me (all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!