(NewsNation) — Your child may be too young for a bank account, or even an allowance. But they can still be a target for identity thieves.
Their methods are cruel and varied: stealing a social security number, scouring public records, exploiting data breaches and even going after sick kids’ medical records.
Armed with that information, criminals can apply for government benefits, open bank accounts, apply for loans and credit cards, sign up for utility services and even rent a house or apartment.
Governments agencies, consumer advocates and financial websites have collected several strategies to help you keep your kid’s identity secure. Here are some ideas.
Ask Questions
Before you give anyone your child’s personal information, know why it’s needed. Ask if there’s an alternative to be used instead of a Social Security number. Ask if a partial number, like the last four digits, is enough. And never share that data with someone who calls or texts.
Even if you have no evidence that your child’s identity has been stolen, check the major credit bureaus to see if there is a report under their name.
Secure Your Documents
Keep birth certificates, Social Security cards and other important papers in a locked cabinet. Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication if you store vital information in the cloud.
Be Vocal About Being Quiet
Let your children know about the dangers of someone stealing their information, and make sure you keep track of what they’re sharing online. Set up “mediated” social media accounts using apps like Instagram Supervision or Snapchat Family Center.
Above all, educate your kids about what to post and what not to post. Let them know that some online “friends” are really not that friendly.
Don’t Even Start
Does your kid even need a credit record yet? If the answer is ‘no,’ you can put a freeze on their credit.
You’ll need to make copies of your and your child’s ID, your and your child’s birth certificates, your and your child’s Social Security cards, and a couple of financial documents with your name on them (a utility bill or bank statement will do).
Then follow the slightly different procedures that the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to apply for a credit freeze.
Say Goodbye For Real
When you get a new computer, tablet or phone, make sure you scrub the old device. Wipe the hard drive clean and reset to factory settings before you sell, donate or give away old electronics.
