Protecting your child’s identity

More than 27 million Americans had their identity stolen between 1999 and 2003. While only about 3% of all reports of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) involved minors, those crimes tend to be far more serious. Rather than just going on a shopping spree using an adult’s stolen ID, the thief usually takes on the child’s identity to avoid prosecution, deportation, or child-support payments, or to get credit, unemployment benefits, or jobs.

Why prey on innocent kids? Because it’s easy. Since a child doesn’t pay taxes or have his credit rating checked, a thief can use the identity for years before anyone notices.

Follow the following guidelines to shield your child from scammers:

Keep her social security card at home.

If your employer, health insurer, or pediatrician needs the number, write down the first five digits on a piece of paper and memorize the last four.

Guard the number closely.

Many institutions ask for a Social Security number even though they don’t really need it. Try leaving the line blank. If you get a follow-up call, ask why the information is needed.

Don’t spread your child’s personal information around.

When you supply his name, address, and phone number on questionnaires (such as those from the gym class or summer camp) it’s compiled and stored by marketing companies. That information is easy to get – and can enable criminals to talk their way into getting a duplicate Social Security cared.

Watch for warning signs of ID theft.

The biggest red flag: Mail addressed to your child that’s inappropriate for her age, such as debt collection letters, notices of delinquent parking tickets, and other correspondence from a financial institution or government agency.

Check her credit report.

If you suspect your child’s identity has been stolen, contact the three credit-reporting agencies. To find out how visit the ITRC’s website (idtheftcenter.org) and click on Victim Resources, or call them.