Teen identity theft becomes a growing problem! Although many adults have been victims of identity theft and many more are concerned about this kind of crime, this new wave of identity theft focuses on teenagers and even preteens.
In fact, one study reports that the age group most affected with teen identity theft is between 10 and 16. And this presents a difficult challenge for young people. Because sadly, young victims like teens often do not know how to protect themselves. And before they can even get a good start in life, they already have a big problem on their hands.
It may surprise you to know that some parents or step parents are using their own children’s identities. They are usually parents that are in a bind and they may think they can just use their child’s identity to get out of the situation. But like with everything thing else, once they get started the abuse continues. Teen identity theft is especially sad since the victim is totally unaware of this for years and since the person is someone they should be able to trust the most is the predator. Of course, in most cases, the parent does not mean to harm their child and probably does not think of it as committing teen identity theft. They may think they are just borrowing their child’s name until they are clear of the problem they are having with their finances. The teen may not find out about this until some years later when applying for a student loan, for example.
But there are also other dangers for teens to become victims of identity theft. Places like My Space, for example, where kids give out information about themselves that may be just the right kind of information that can be used by a person who is committing teen identity theft.
Responsible parents who know of this growing problem can help other teens to protect themselves from being victims of teen identity theft. Here are some points a parent needs to discuss with their child:
1. Do not give any personal information like birth date and social security to anyone over the phone or on the internet, unless you are dealing with a reputable company
2. If you are applying for a student loan, for example, check your credit history first by contacting a credit bureau or your bank for more information.
3. When going to college or any other school, ask them not to use your ID Card Details as your ID Card.
You also want to tell your child the consequences of a stolen identity. Keeping in mind that your teen is just getting to know about life and serious consequences of wrong behavior. A young person has not had the experiences in life that you have had, so you want to help them to keep from being a victim of teen identity theft.
For children who have been victims of teen identity theft because of their own parents have the option to report the incident. A parent who has committed this kind of crime against their own child should take care of this in a responsible manner and have the account removed from their child’s name so that the teen can start his or her life in the right direction.
