Shielding Your Child: Essential Steps to Prevent Identity Theft

ARTICLE | October 22, 2024

Authored by Vasquez + Company

Identity theft poses a significant threat to children, as their clean credit histories make them attractive targets for cybercriminals. The article, "Protect Your Child from Identity Theft," delves into the risks of identity theft for minors, what constitutes personally identifiable information (PII), and the steps parents can take to safeguard their children.

Key Points:

• Understanding PII: Personally identifiable information (PII) includes sensitive data like Social Security numbers, financial account details, and biometric information that, if compromised, can lead to identity theft.
• Increasing Risks: With children more active online than ever, they face greater risks of data theft, particularly from affluent households where lenient online sharing is common.
• Warning Signs: Parents should be vigilant for red flags, such as unsolicited credit offers or unexpected changes in a child's credit report, which may indicate identity theft.
• Prevention Strategies: Educating children about online privacy, securing devices, and monitoring credit reports can help protect against identity theft.

By being proactive and involved, parents can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft affecting their children.

For more information, read the full article here.

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