Protect Your Child from a Probable Identity Theft

If a seven year old child has twenty page credit report, you may think it is unbelievable. However in this world, it is likely to happen. Identity thieves need only one thing to open the door to money - social security number!

Children are the soft targets for these thieves. In US, 16,000 children annually suffer from identity theft. As the credit report of the children is not likely to be checked by anyone, thieves get this golden opportunity to create one for them. When the child turns 18 and applies for a car loan, he is shocked to find that someone else has already spoiled his credit history and he may be ineligible for any type of credit.
If you have small children, believe me, they need to be protected from the risks of identity theft. Here are some useful tips to protect your children -

1. When your children are very small, your approach to lot of institutions for their work and everyone asks for details like the social security number. If you go to a day-care center or to your doctor, they want this number.

You should make your own judgment before submitting the social security number of your child to anyone. You can bluntly refuse such request if you feel it is unnecessary. Identity thieves are usually accustomed to search the garbage bins of such organizations. Sometimes you make mistakes in filling up their form and you may inadvertently throw it in their garbage. You should remember to destroy such papers before throwing. Sometimes a dishonest employee may steal the private information of children and sell it to the thieves. You can certainly refuse to provide the social security number of your child and protect his future.

2. Do not trust your friends and relatives too much - Some so-called family friends or relatives may ruin the future of your child by selling his social security number and other personal information to the thieves.
The social security card and birth certificate of your child should always be kept in a secured place and nobody should have access to that. Only you and your spouse should have access to these papers. You cannot be too careful about the future of your child.

3. Warn your child about the risks involved in giving out their information on-line - In this modern world of cell phones, e-mail accounts, chats and social networking, your child may submit information like date of birth, social security number or the maiden name of mother somewhere on-line. Thieves can easily get this information by pretending as his friends. On the social networking sides, many members reveal their address and phone numbers. If possible, you can check the profile of your child regularly so that you can check what information he/she is giving out on these sites.

4. Educate your child about the value of his/her personal information - There are some simple precautions like taking care of his wallet and cell phone. Thieves can get easy clues from these things.
When your child applied for his first job, you should teach him about protecting his social security number. Memorizing this number is a very good idea, so that the card need not be carried in the wallet. The first job should not be accepted just like that. Identity thieves may be wondering around to capture details from small time employers.

5. It's a good idea to regularly check the credit report of your child - Everyone is entitled to get a free copy of his/her credit report once in a year. You should always avail this facility to take out a copy of the report for your child. This will provide a constant check on the credit status of your child.

When your small child receives pre-approved offers of credit cards, it is not fun. It may be a sign of identity theft. You should immediately check the credit report of your child to confirm that everything is well. It is never too early to start protecting the identity of your child.