Child ID Theft on the Rise
SCNow.com reported recent statistics from the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs that show that infants and child identity theft is one of the fastest growing segments of identity theft in the nation.
If a child’s identity is stolen, it will probably be at least 18 years before the parent or child discovers the crime.
Most children are at risk of having their identities stolen because, at birth, the majority of parents get Social Security numbers for their kids. If that number falls into the wrong hands, the child may have credit problems in the future, and possibly even be turned down for jobs.
Reviewing a child’s Social Security Administration earnings statement is a good way to detect identity theft, according to the state consumer affairs office. If a child has a reported income, that’s a strong indication his or her identity has been stolen.