Child Identity Theft

Your child's identity can be stolen just as easily as your own. It's important to make sure you're taking precautions to prevent this from happening. It's likely you wouldn't find out until years later and you or your child would have years of data to try and fix. That would be an absolute nightmare! I am not asked for my children's social security numbers very often, but I will certainly ask if it's really necessary when I am asked for it.
FROM CNN: Children's social security numbers and the clean credit records that go with them have become a new target for scammers. The Federal Trade Commission has taken notice, holding a forum this week on ways to help keep children's financial futures safe.
You know to keep your own personal data safe, like your social security number, and your date of birth. But what about your child? It's a topic the Federal Trade Commission and other consumer groups are tackling. Scammers can steal bits and pieces of a child's identity to create synthetic ID's, taking a social security number without any credit records, and attaching a fake date of birth that makes it seem legit to creditors.
It can be more difficult for a parent to detect, and just as detrimental to a child's financial future so be on the lookout for the biggest warning signs. "Any mail that comes that seems like it should be adult oriented mail, phone calls, people looking for your child to make solicitations or potentially to even to collect debts." When signing your kids up for sports, dance classes or other activities, think twice about giving a social security number -- it's often not even necessary.
"Really think about, what is this going to be used for, why am I being asked for this information, how is it going to be protected and be sure that you feel comfortable with the answers."
And shred medical bills and other documents with your child's personal data, just like your own.
-NewsAnchorMom Jen