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Children Targets of ID Fraud
A recent article points out that thousands of inactive Social Security numbers are being found and sold online. The reason these Social Security numbers are inactive is due to the fact that they belong to children who have yet used them to ascertain credit.
The Better Business Bureau is warning parents to be on the lookout for signs that point to their child’s identity being compromised or stolen.
Last year, 8.1 million adult Americans were victims of ID theft, resulting in the loss of $37 billion, according to a report from Javelin Strategy and Research.
It can be difficult to determine if you child has become a victim of Identity Fraud since it is often years before the fraud is uncovered.
The BBB proposes these three steps for parents to take in order identify and correct underage ID Theft:
- Parents with children under the age of 13 can request a credit report from the credit reporting agency Trans Union. If a report exists, there could be a problem and credit reports should then be requested from Esperian & Equifax. If a credit report doesn’t exist, you child’s ID should be ok.
- Watch for pre-approved credit cards in your child’s name that may be coming in the mail
The FTC also recommends to run a child’s credit report at age 16 so there is enough time to dispute any incorrect information before your child starts applying to college.
Until Next Time… Keep Totally Secure,
Your Friend,
Mike
Head Shredding Guy
Total Secure Shredding, Inc
