Protecting Children from Identity Theft

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never thought twice about supplying the doctors, dentists, school officials, etc with my children’s personal information.

I haven’t given identity theft in regards to my children any thought at all either. They are children. I guess it’s that whole innocence thing and “it will never happen to them” thought pattern too.

When I was told about an upcoming campaign with kIDSure I’ll admit that the first thing I thought of was fancy safety IDs for Autistic kids that like to run off. Shows how much of a skimmer I am!

Until I started reading all the horror stories I hadn’t thought about all the places that parents in general just hand over their kids information and social security numbers to like: coaches, scouting groups, medical offices, churches, trainers, tutors and other groups. The sad thing is Mr. Scammy doesn’t even need the social security number to do damage!

Why Are Kids Great Targets?

• Parents don’t always think to protect their kids’ Social Security numbers.
• Parents don’t think to check if there are credit reports in their kids’ names.
• They can be gullible and easily fooled.
• They can be careless with personal information online.
• The theft can go undetected for years, plenty of time for the thief to make a leisurely escape.

Every year I always pull one of those free credit reports on my husband and myself right around tax time. It never once crossed my mind to do one on each of the kids. Thankfully my kids are not really online yet and when they are it’s closely monitored gaming and educational sites for kids.

Now that I know there are huge bulls-eyes on the backs of my children I’m really glad that I joined up with kIDSure. As I went through the registration steps for the three boys to the kIDSure program I just knew it would be alright – again that whole they are children thought pattern.

Nothing was found on the oldest and I really expected it to be the same for all three of them. However, our middle son got some red flags. Say what? A barely 6-year old child with a credit history. Say it isn’t true!

Unfortunately it is.very.true. Right now I’m in the process of proving I’m his guardian so they will reveal what is showing up causing the red flags to be waving. I’m glad for this extra step as if someone already got his information at least I can prove who I am and start fixing it. I’d much rather know now then in 11 years when he is applying for college and loans that before 2012 someone purchased a yacht in his name.

Removing the Bulls-Eye

• Education is key. Talk to your kids, let them know the dangers, and give them a set of security rules to minimize their vulnerability.
• If your kids use social networks like MySpace or Facebook, make sure you warn them to be suspicious about any requests, no matter where they come from, for personal or financial information. Theirs or yours!
• Check that your kids don’t have credit reports. If you don’t, years may pass before they discover the crime.
• Make sure your kids’ school is not using Social Security numbers as student IDs. Many schools still do.

There are more helpful tips on protecting your kids from identity theft on IDENTITY GUARD® expert advice site.

How about you – have you ever checked your child’s credit report? How many places have you given their personal information out to never second guessing the thought?

I was provided free of charge the ability to use and review the kIDSure and IDENTITY GUARD® products. I will also be compensated monetarily for my time and efforts. This being said all opinions – and freaking out over my boys safety and security – are all of my own pondering.

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Alaina Frederick

Alaina Frederick, publisher of Dinker & Giggles, loves helping to create a healthy environment for her four boys and husband. Her favorite time of year is winter - trees blanketed with fresh snow, hot cocoa in hand, and a great book completing the package.

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