FAST FACTS:
Scott.Noll@wreg.com
(Memphis, 3/18/2009) There's a warning about identity theft, that could affect a member of your family you'd least expect.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 20,000 children and teens were victims of identity theft in 2008.
That number comes from a study released by the Federal Trade Commission last month.
It details how big the identity theft problem has become.
Nationwide, Tennessee ranks 24th in its rate of identity theft with nearly 5,000 cases reported in 2008.
Mississippi, is 23rd, with more than 2,300 cases, or about 81 victims for every 100,000 people in the state.
Arkansas comes in 30th according to the FTC, with just over 2,000 cases last year.
Tami Nealy, of the identity theft protection company Lifelock, says kids and teens make attractive targets to thieves.
Most parents don't realize how many places have their kids' names and social security numbers on file.
Places like doctor's offices, insurance companies, even a savings account opened up at the neighborhood bank, can make your child's information vulnerable.
Identity thieves know this.
They also know by victimizing a child, their crime can often go undetected for years.
In some cases it's not until your teen applies for a job, credit card, cell phone, or student loan, that they realize their credit has been ruined.
"As parents we're worried about buckling children in the car, looking both ways when we cross the street, putting elbow pad, knee pads and helmets on when riding bikes," said Nealy. "We're concerned about their safety first and foremost. What we need to be concerned about as well is their credit safety."
To protect against identity theft, experts suggest adding a fraud alert to your credit report.
That alert will tell you if anyone tries to open a line of credit in your name.
You can set an alert up for free by contacting any of the three credit bureaus.
Companies like Lifelock will also take care of it for a fee.
Protect Yourself From Identity Theft:
Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html
LifeLock: http://www.lifelock.com/
- More than 20,000 kids and teens the victim of identity theft in 2008
- Experts say crimes against kids' credit can go unnoticed for several years
- To protect your child, experts suggest adding fraud alerts to their credit reports
Scott.Noll@wreg.com
(Memphis, 3/18/2009) There's a warning about identity theft, that could affect a member of your family you'd least expect.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 20,000 children and teens were victims of identity theft in 2008.
That number comes from a study released by the Federal Trade Commission last month.
It details how big the identity theft problem has become.
Nationwide, Tennessee ranks 24th in its rate of identity theft with nearly 5,000 cases reported in 2008.
Mississippi, is 23rd, with more than 2,300 cases, or about 81 victims for every 100,000 people in the state.
Arkansas comes in 30th according to the FTC, with just over 2,000 cases last year.
Tami Nealy, of the identity theft protection company Lifelock, says kids and teens make attractive targets to thieves.
Most parents don't realize how many places have their kids' names and social security numbers on file.
Places like doctor's offices, insurance companies, even a savings account opened up at the neighborhood bank, can make your child's information vulnerable.
Identity thieves know this.
They also know by victimizing a child, their crime can often go undetected for years.
In some cases it's not until your teen applies for a job, credit card, cell phone, or student loan, that they realize their credit has been ruined.
"As parents we're worried about buckling children in the car, looking both ways when we cross the street, putting elbow pad, knee pads and helmets on when riding bikes," said Nealy. "We're concerned about their safety first and foremost. What we need to be concerned about as well is their credit safety."
To protect against identity theft, experts suggest adding a fraud alert to your credit report.
That alert will tell you if anyone tries to open a line of credit in your name.
You can set an alert up for free by contacting any of the three credit bureaus.
Companies like Lifelock will also take care of it for a fee.
Protect Yourself From Identity Theft:
Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html
LifeLock: http://www.lifelock.com/
