We recently wrote about six terrible habits that tweens and teens are notorious for that increase their risk of identity theft. And children are already at an increased risk for identity theft since crooks love to target the younger generation. That’s because they tend to have a clean credit record, and there’s also less chance of the theft being discovered since teens are also less likely to be monitoring their credit.
While parents might feel a bit helpless about how to keep their children safe while online, there are some specific steps you can take that could certainly help protect them.
- Protect SSN: Teach your children to protect their Social Security number and not to give it out unnecessarily just because a company asks for it. Teach them it’s OK to push back and encourage them to ask questions: “Do you really need my Social Security number? Why? What are you going to do with it?”
- Review Credit Report: Review your child’s credit report to be sure it’s spotless. You might even consider enacting a credit freeze on your child’s credit. Here’s how to do so.
- Set a Good Example: Like with almost any facet of parenting, setting a good example is paramount. Make sure you’re diligent about your own online security hygiene. Check your own privacy settings and show your kids how to do the same. Update your software as soon as you’re prompted and explain to your kids why they need to do the same on their own laptops, tablets and phones. Use strong passwords and don’t reuse them across multiple sites. Be sure to communicate with your kids about the importance of not sharing passwords or devices; not downloading apps outside of the official Google Play or the Apple App Store; and not over-sharing personal information online.
- Sign a Contract: There’s something about putting it in writing that makes people take something more seriously. As such, consider having your child sign an Online Safety Contract from the Family Online Safety Institute that outlines your expectations and some ground rules for safe, responsible use of technology.
- Get Covered: Sign up for LibertyID’s Family Plan so that your children are protected in case of identity theft. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how safe you or your children are. You might do everything right and still have your identity stolen. Our team of experts has a 100 percent success rate in reversing the damage. We will restore your credit score, resolve IRS fraud on your behalf, replace all lost identification and restore your identity to pre-event status. Even better, the Family Plan will also cover your spouse and your parents.
Are you covered for identity theft?
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