News
STAY ALERT
STAY ALERT
Protect Your Child From Identity Theft
Child identity theft happens when someone takes a child’s personal information and uses it to commit fraud. They could apply for government benefits, open a bank or credit card account, apply for a loan, or sign up for a utility service.
Here’s what you can do to protect your child from identity theft:
Child identity theft happens when someone takes a child’s personal information and uses it to commit fraud. They could apply for government benefits, open a bank or credit card account, apply for a loan, or sign up for a utility service.
Here’s what you can do to protect your child from identity theft:
- Ask questions before giving anyone your child’s Social Security number.
- Why do you need it?
- How will you protect it?
- Can you use a different identifier?
- Can you use just the last four digits of the Social Security number?
- Protect documents with personal information.
Keep documents with your child’s personal information in a safe place, like a locked file cabinet. When you decide to get rid of those documents, shred them before you throw them away.
- Delete personal information before disposing of a computer or cell phone.
Your computer and phone might contain personal information about your child.
- Freeze your child’s credit.
There’s no reason for most children to have credit reports, since it’s illegal for anyone under 16 to apply for a loan or credit card in their own name. Fraudulent loan and credit card applications can generate credit reports, however, and by the time you or the child discovers them, they could be full of unpaid accounts. Nip this in the bud by requesting a security freeze for your child at each of the national credit bureaus. This prevents any loans or credit cards from being issued in the child’s name.
SITES OF THE MONTH
SITES OF THE MONTH
 |
All Aboard Meal Train This site helps you organize meal delivery for someone who has a new baby or is recovering from surgery or grieving a loss. Learn more… |
|
Take a Mini Vacation Explore beautiful spots from around the world via these live cams, which feature wildlife in the sea, on land, and in the air. Learn more… |
|
Nail Your Home Projects Get tips on home repair and building projects from Family Handyman, including how to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Learn more… |
|||
SITES OF THE MONTH
SITES OF THE MONTH
|
 Keep Pets Healthy May is National Pet Month, a great time to get your paws on this site’s extensive pet health content written by vets. Learn more… |
|
 Make Yourself at Home Be inspired to create home spaces that express your individuality. Browse by room or decorating style and pick up DIY tips. Learn more… |
|
 Boat Responsibly Boating accidents cause deaths and injuries each year. To stay safe, review the U.S. Coast Guard’s rules and guidance. Learn more… |
|
||
