Childrens Identity Theft www.IDTheftSecurity.com

18 Feb 2007 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

2:18

The video is a public‑service announcement that warns parents about the growing problem of child identity theft. It opens with the shocking story of 10‑year‑old Shiloh Puckett, whose credit was ruined by her own mother, and cites expert estimates that over 500,000 children have their Social Security numbers stolen and credit damaged each year. The PSA explains how thieves obtain a child’s SSN—through mail, careless handling, or non‑essential forms—and why children are attractive targets because they have clean credit histories that can go unnoticed for years. It then offers concrete protection steps: keep the SSN card safe, avoid carrying it or providing the number on unnecessary applications, and regularly monitor the child’s credit report (as well as those of spouses and parents). The overall tone is urgent and cautionary, aiming to empower parents to prevent long‑term financial harm to their children.

Chapters

Imagine a child with over a dozen credit cards and thousands of dollars in debt.
Come on, we'll get your snack.
Now meet Shiloh Puckett. At age 10, her credit has already been ruined. And the person responsible?
It was a means of necessity. We needed help. Her own mother.
Child identity theft is probably one of the most vicious crimes I can think of.
That's right. It's children who are the latest victims of identity theft. In fact, experts estimate over 500,000 kids have their identity stolen and credit ruined each year.
Their future has ended before their life really has begun.
But it's not always a relative to blame. The crook could be a complete stranger who gets your child's Social Security number and then starts applying for credit.
Once they have that number, then they can go and open up accounts.
Children are a big target for thieves because they have unblemished credit, and the crime can go unnoticed for years.
Well, if someone's applied for credit when they were 5 years old, that's 13 years until it's discovered, and that entire credit report has probably been ruined.
But there are ways for parents to protect their kids. First, when you apply for your child's Social Security number, make sure the card arrives in the mail.
Mail is, uh, the path of least resistance. Least resistance for identity thieves.
Once you have the card, put it away in a safe place.
Please, moms, stop carrying your kids' Social Security numbers in your wallet. That is just an open invitation for theft.
Don't put their Social Security number on nonessential forms like daycare or camp applications, even if asked.
Even a school asks for your child's Social Security number, the reality is they have to provide an education for them whether you give it to them or not.
And keep an eye on their credit report. Any activity is a red flag.
I think it's important that parents not only check their own credit reports every 4 to 6 months, but they check that of their child's, their spouse's, and even their parents'.
Shiloh's mom was caught and spent 6 months in jail, but other credit crooks are still out there willing to prey on innocent children to fund their greed.