Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning Hoosiers that child identity theft is on the rise.
About 1.3 million children have their identities stolen every year. This crime occurs when a hacker steals a child’s personal information and uses it to receive services or benefits.
Rokita says children do not typically have credit reports which presents a prime opportunity for criminals to apply for credit and take out loans in their name. This type of criminal activity can go on for years before the child actually attempts to take out a loan for the first time.
Scammers often use children’s Social Security number, name and address, or date of birth to apply for services, like health care coverage or nutrition assistance, open a bank or credit card account, apply for a loan, sign up for a utility service, or even rent a place to live.
Attorney General Rokita suggests that questions be asked before giving out a child’s Social Security number that focuses on the need for the number, the protection of the number, and if the last four digits can be used.
A computer and phone might contain personal information about a child. Find out how to delete that information before you get rid of a computer or a cell phone.
As a parent or legal guardian, a security freeze is one tool that can be used to restrict certain access to a minor dependent’s credit report. Should a security freeze be placed on a minor dependent’s credit report, a credit report is created for the minor and then frozen.
If a child’s identity is hacked, report and close the fraudulent accounts, freeze your child’s credit, and contact Attorney General Rokita’s staff by calling 1-800-382-5516.
