Many times, NCPW focuses on those engaged in consumer transactions, which don’t ordinarily include kids. However, this year we are making a dedicated effort to help protect a vulnerable population when it comes to identity theft – kids!
Child identity theft occurs when someone fraudulently uses a child’s identity to fraudulently open accounts or receive benefits. The imposter may be a family member, friend or a stranger and may use the child’s name and Social Security number to open new accounts for cell phones, utilities, credit cards and even mortgages.
Imposters may get away with using a child's identity for years because children typically do not try to check or access credit. As a result, child identity theft usually is not discovered until the child applies for college financial aid, a car loan or employment.
To help combat this problem, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has launched a video aimed at parents to understand what a child security freeze is and how to place a freeze. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y10sEjOhj8w&feature=youtu.be.