Tips On How To Save Your Child From Identity Theft
The government requires every parent with children older than one year to file a
Social Security Number for their children so they can qualify for a tax reduction. However, identity thieves have thought of a new tactic to victimized unsuspecting consumers. In order to avoid these unfortunate events, let us discuss what child identity theft is, how it is done and how you can protect your child from this crime.What is Child ID Theft?
Apparently, identity thieves steal a child's Social Security Number and use this particular information in committing fraud against the child's account. Lots of complaints about identity theft have been filed at the Federal Trade Commission every year and these complaints were from consumers below 18 years old. Obviously, even a child can suffer from bad credit history before he's old enough to apply for his own credit.
Protect Your Child from ID Theft
As parents, it is your responsibility to protect your kids from the crime of child ID theft. The following important steps should help you keep your child's personal information safe from the hands of identity thieves.
1. Store your child's documents in a safe place. All important documents such as birth certificate, SSN, and other paperwork associated with your child should be kept in one folder. This folder should be stored in locked place in your home.
2. Be cautious about providing your child's SSN. There are instances where you will be asked to provide your child's SSN when dealing with merchants, or even hospitals. Ask if you can provide other information instead of the SSN. Make sure that you are aware of how the information will be used and that it is absolutely necessary. You should also be provided with a Privacy Policy before giving out such details.
3. Don't carry your child's Social Security Card with you. Always keep your child's Social Security card in a safe place or storage. Don't carry it in your wallet!
4. Check your child's credit report regularly. Obtain a copy of your child's credit report at least once a year to make sure that it is accurate and that it's not being used for unauthorized transactions. Request one copy from each of the three major credit bureaus- Experian, Equifax,TransUnion - as each bureau executes its own reporting. In case you've found unauthorized charges, contact the credit bureau immediately.
5. Check your child's Social Security Record. Two ways of knowing if someone else is using your child's SSN for his own purpose are: a. calling 1-800-772-1213 and b. visiting www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7004.html.
6. Don't use your child's SSN for your own purpose. Some guardians or parents who have a bad credit history use a child's identity to get approved for credit. Doing so damages your child's own credit history and may result to serious complications in the future.
7. Educate your children about identity theft. Even at an early age, a child must be well-aware of the truth about identity theft. Always remind them to never give their personal details to anyone especially over the internet. Identity thieves often frequent the web and social networking sites disguising as friends to steal information from unsuspecting kids.
Copyright (c) 2010 Suzy Vanstrusen
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