Nov 12, 2008 7:22 pm US/Eastern
Kids' Online Habits Expose Them To ID Theft
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Identity theft has become a big problem in recent years for adults. Now kids are becoming targets too – in large part because of information they give up online.
Zach Friesen is a young adult looking at a promising future, but it was almost derailed by a crime he didn't commit. His identity was stolen when he was just seven years old. He didn't find out he was a victim until he applied for a job and student loans. "It wasn't until I was 17, coming out of high school, that I found out about it for the first time."
It took years for Zach to clean up his credit. He says he's still paying for what happened to him. "A lot of people can get loans that are much better than me. They cost a lot less to do things, get an apartment, a car."
Information Age CrimeLinda Foley of the
Identity Theft Resource Center says children are increasingly becoming targets. "This is the crime of their generation. It's an information age crime."
The Center would like to see identity theft taught in schools. They recently released a video for teachers and parents to share with their kids, because often people only worry about sexual predators online.
Teen Resources: Protect Yourself on Social Media SitesTeen Resources: Protect Yourself While File SharingWhat To Watch ForFoley says a child doesn't have to give up much information for identity theft to take place. "People write and ask innocent questions, or what appear to be innocent questions.
What's your first pet's name? What country were you born in? What's your birthday?"
Zach is committed to helping other young people from becoming victims. He has this message for them: "Know what information can hurt you in the wrong hands, and keep it safe."
Parents also need to talk to the children about what information they are posting on social networking sites. It's important that they understand that even innocent information can harm them down the road.
Requesting A Credit Report
Parents can request a credit report on behalf of their child to check for any irregular activity.
Each of the three major credit reporting companies is required to provide you a free copy of your credit report once every twelve months, upon your request. You can request these free reports
ONLY through
annualcreditreport.com. Other sites claiming to provide free credit reports charge other fees or come with strings attached.
To buy additional credit reports here is contact information for the three major credit reporting companies:
Equifax
Phone: (800) 525-6285
Website: www.equifax.com
Experian
Phone: (888 )397-3742
Website: www.experian.com
TransUnion
Phone: (800) 680-7289
Website: www.transunion.com
Other Resources
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