News: Child Identity Theft
Submitted by harry on Mon, 08/18/2008 - 22:13
Identity thieves are increasingly targeting children and stealing their social security numbers to get loans and credit. Children are most vulnerable because it can take several years before the theft gets reported. According to FTC's data, 5 percent of the complaints received last year were from people who are less than 18 years of age. Parents need to be aware of identity theft and should closely monitor their child’s SSN for any signs of theft.
Children are easy targets for ID theft. What can parents do?
Research & Tools
Plan for Prevention
Compare plans and find the best identity theft protection plan before it's too late. It's easier to keep your identity safe than to repair it.
ID Patrol by Equifax
Approach: ID Patrol is Equifax’s expertise and resources for a comprehensive choice in identity theft protection.
Guarantee: $1,000,000.
Guarantee: $1,000,000.
ID Watchdog
Approach: ID Watchdog offers extensive coverage for non-credit related identity theft protection.
Guarantee: 100% guarantee; no deductibles or limits.
Guarantee: 100% guarantee; no deductibles or limits.
Identity Guard
Approach: Identity Guard enhances its monitoring services offering computer-based technologies and user interfaces.
Guarantee: $2500 - $1,000,000.
Guarantee: $2500 - $1,000,000.
IdentityTruth
Approach: Offering industry-standard credit protection, IdentityTruth prevents fraud involving Social Security numbers, utilities, real estate transactions, and health insurance.
Guarantee: “100% Guarantee”
Guarantee: “100% Guarantee”
LifeLock
Approach: LifeLock’s program is a one-stop source for financial identification security: “Detection, Prevention, Remediation.”
Guarantee: $1,000,000
Guarantee: $1,000,000
Protect My ID by Experian
Approach: ProtectMyID focuses its identity theft services around Protection, Detection, and Resolution.
Guarantee: $1,000,000.
Guarantee: $1,000,000.
Trusted ID
Approach: TrustedID is comprehensive service that covers all the bases for consumer and business identity theft prevention.
Guarantee: $1,000,000.
Guarantee: $1,000,000.
Equifax Score Power®
Approach: Understand your FICO® Score with an Equifax Credit Report with FICO® Score.
Guarantee: Not Applicable, See Equifax ID Patrol
Guarantee: Not Applicable, See Equifax ID Patrol
This week alone, Congress has passed a bill enforcing stronger identity theft protection laws and the Senate has introduced a bill specifically aimed at reducing the identity theft risk among the...
Comments
I have children that are still young, but I've been concerned about them innocently giving personal information out over the Internet. They love to play on the Internet and communicate with their friends and we have strict rules at home about not disclosing any personal information including address, phone number, or other forms of information. With the proliferation of MySpace and the social aspect of the Internet, I can't believe that this threat isn't going to continue to grow. Especially, when you hear of gangs and other groups getting into it as some of your articles have disclosed.