Child Identity Theft: What Every Parent Needs to Know

August 5, 2013

  • Teach Your Children Well! Educate your children on the risks of giving personal information to anyone.
  • Do Not Share! Do not put your child's social security number (SSN) on school, medical, insurance, and other forms.
  • Keep it Safe at Home! Don't have your child's birthdate or SSN in your wallet or purse or at work.
  • Don't Reveal Personal Information on Social Media. Tell your children not to place their birthdate or address on social networking sites.
  • Be Wary of Scams. Warn your children about offers they receive by phone, mail or email that could be scams.
  • Get on the Do Not Call List. Register all your phone numbers on http://www.donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222.
  • Question Authority! Ask your children's teachers or school administrators what they do to safeguard student records.
  • Watch Your Money! Always deposit bill payments and other mail in a locked mailbox or at the post office.
  • Keep It With You or Lock It Up! When traveling with your laptop and similar devices, keep them with you or locked in a hotel safe.
  • Shred It! Use a cross-cutting paper shredder for all old documents containing sensitive information.
  • Keep Documents Secure! Keep birth certificates, passports, school diplomas, banking information, and other important documents

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