When it comes to our children\u2019s credit scores, we usually don\u2019t think that they have any credit built up. We usually think that since kids are focusing more on playtime and less on money, that we shouldn\u2019t worry about our kids\u2019 credit and if they have any credit cards open in their name. The reality is though, we do need to worry, considering that scammers can open credit cards up using children\u2019s names in a scheme called child identity theft.<\/p>\n
Child identity theft occurs when a scammer steals a child\u2019s social security number and applies to credit cards, loans, bank accounts, and social security benefits. A child is issued a social security number as soon as they are born so that parents can claim them on their tax returns, get them a bank account, or create medical records for them. However, scammers take advantage of this for their own needs, and sometimes it takes years for them to get caught.<\/p>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/My-Post-51.jpg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”100%” offset=”100%” align=”center” lightbox=”on” captionsrc=”custom” captionposition=”left” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n
Scammers know that parents aren\u2019t checking their child\u2019s credit or what credit card accounts they have open, since children aren\u2019t concerned about credit cards or finances. Since children\u2019s credit scores are usually left alone until the child turns 18, scammers take advantage of this and open up credit under the child\u2019s name. They know they will get approved of many credit cards and loans, since the child has no credit, and it will take years for them to get caught, meaning that they will get away with the crime easier.<\/p>\n
According to the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), websites and online services are required to get consent from parents before collecting personal information from children under the age of 13. However, under COPPA, schools can act as parents and consent to the collection of personal information of their students from educational technology services.\u00a0The school can only use this information for educational purposes only, not commercial purposes.<\/p>\n
You can also review an educational program\u2019s online privacy policy if you have any additional questions regarding your child\u2019s information usage. If this doesn\u2019t help resolve your concerns, contact the school to see how your child\u2019s information is being used.<\/p>\n
If you suspect that you or your child was talking to someone that could\u2019ve stolen your child\u2019s identity, Social Catfish<\/a> is here to help you. With our reverse search platform<\/a>, we can help search up any name, email address, phone number, social media username, or image of the person suspected of stealing your child\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n