How to protect your children from identity theft
How to protect your children from identity theft
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As we head back to school, the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture has a warning for parents about protecting children’s identities. Each year, more than 50,000 Florida children become victims of identity theft, and more than $100 million is stolen from children whose identities have been compromised. Thieves target kids because they generally have clean credit histories, and years can pass before the crime is detected.
Commissioner Adam Putnam has these tips for protecting children from identity theft:
Freeze their credit: Florida law requires credit reporting agencies to establish and freeze a credit record for a minor upon request by a parent or guardian. Click here to learn how.
Be cautious when giving out children’s Social Security numbers: If a school, youth sports team, or medical office asks for a child’s Social Security number, question why they need it, what they will do with it and how they plan to keep it safe.
Shred anything with children’s personal information on it.
Do not carry children’s Social Security cards in your purse or wallet: Keep those at home in a safe place.
Educate children about ID theft and the dangers of sharing personal data.
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