What is child identity theft? Adults are not the only targets of identity theft. In fact, children under the age of 18 can also become victims. Child identity theft happens when someone uses a minor child's personal information, such as name and Social Security number, usually to obtain credit or employment.
What are three ways prevent identity theft?
11 ways to prevent identity theft
Freeze your credit. ...
Safeguard your Social Security number. ...
Be alert to phishing and spoofing. ...
Use strong passwords and add an authentication step. ...
Use alerts. ...
Watch your mailbox. ...
Shred, shred, shred. ...
Use a digital wallet.
How can I check if someone is using my child's Social Security number?
First, you need to check with the Social Security Administration once a year to make sure no one is using your child's SSN. Secondly, you need to check your child's credit report (free – Equifax -1-800-525-6285; Experian-1-888-397-3742; TransUnion-1-800-680-7289.)
Do kids need identity protection?
I look for value wherever I can find it, both in stocks and in life. Just when a child is establishing their own identity in the world, someone could be trying to claim it as their own.
How can you tell if your child's identity has been stolen?
One way to tell if your child's identity has been stolen is by checking their credit report. If there is a credit file or fraudulent information, you'll want to review it to see if there has been credit opened in your child's name.
Why do identity thieves target children?
“And because kids aren't interacting in the adult world and they aren't paying attention to things like their credit report and their credit score, these can go undetected for a much longer period of time." ... Parents need to watch for warning signs for child identity theft.
How can you protect yourself against identity theft?
Ways to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Password-Protect Your Devices. ...
Use a Password Manager. ...
Watch Out for Phishing Attempts. ...
Never Give Out Personal Information Over the Phone. ...
Regularly Check Your Credit Reports. ...
Protect Your Personal Documents. ...
Limit Your Exposure.
How do I protect my bank account from identity theft?
We won't tell you what to do. ... Check out some ways you can protect your bank account below.
Enroll in Online Services. ...
Be Aware of What You Share. ...
Use Strong Passwords. ...
Check Accounts Regularly. ...
Get Bank Alerts.
How do you fix identity theft?
If someone steals your identity, you have the right to:
create an FTC Identity Theft Report.
place a one-year fraud alert on your credit report.
place a seven-year extended fraud alert on your credit report.
get free copies of your credit report.
get fraudulent information removed (or "blocked") from your credit report.
How can I stop someone from claiming my child on their taxes?
If you found out that you claimed a dependent incorrectly on an IRS accepted tax return, you will need to file a tax amendment or form 1040-X and remove the dependent from your tax return. At any time, contact us here at eFile.com or call the IRS support line at 1-800-829-1040 and inform them of the situation.
How do you check if my SSN has been used?
at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or go to: www.identitytheft.gov/ To order a copy of your Social Security Administration earnings and benefits statement, or to check whether someone has used your Social Security number to get a job or to avoid paying taxes, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/statement/.
What to do when your SSN is stolen?
If you know your Social Security number has been stolen, here are some additional steps to take:
File a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report. ...
If you believe your identity has already been used, you can also contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.
Yet No Comments