My Space, Facebook, Profiles, and web sites are just some of the public or semi-public platforms that are personal billboards. Many of these sites are havens for young people and are a major part of their social fabric. While there are many enjoyable aspects of these new social networks, there are also real dangers. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America.
Every day forty thousand people have their identity stolen. The damage varies but the burden of innocence lies on the victim. That's right, a credit reporting agency will not repair or restore your credit until you document, through a painful process, your innocence.
Young people generally don't weigh risk well and will leave way too much information open to the public. A public facebook profile that holds birthdate, address, and sibling/parent information is a perfect way for an identity thief to start building a crime.
Job applications for young people should not include a social security number until you are ready to undergo a test or examination and receive an offer. If the employer uses the reason that they need to do a background check, remember, there are few background check services that offer information on candidates under 21.
Youth sports organizations are an easy target for an identity thief. The sports league your child participates has all of your information along with your dependents. Ask specific questions about paper copies of personal information and where it is stored. A file can sit in a coaches home office for the next ten or fifteen years and fall into the wrong hands at the wrong time. A social security number, mother's maiden name (commonly seen on all Facebook profiles for married women) and date of birth creates significant access for the savvy identity thief.
Fraternities, sororities, intramural activities, clubs, and exchange programs all require further transfer of critical information for your college age children. Community living creates a dangerous environment for physical identity theft. Make sure your children protect their personal information, passwords, and documents. Parents are ultimately responsible for any fraudulent activity that happens to their children/dependent(s).
A family identification protection plan is your best safeguard should you or any member of your family have their identity compromised. The right identity protection plan will restore your credit, reverse financial losses from fraud, and save you all of the burdensome time and money required to restore your good name.
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