Do You Know How to Protect Your Child from Identity Theft?

You buckle them into car seats, make sure they wear a helmet when riding their bikes and keep a first-aid kit on hand at all times. As a parent, you do everything you can to guard your children’s physical safety, but do you know how to protect them from identity theft?

How Common Is Child Identity Theft?

Over 15,000 of the identity theft complaints to the Federal Trade Commission in 2016 affected children and teens (anyone age 19 and under), which represents 4% of all identity theft complaints for the year. The Identity Theft Resource Center, which tracks identity theft and data breach statistics, also reports that 4.4% of the identity theft victim calls they received last year involved child identity theft.

While child identity theft accounts for a small portion of all fraud and identity theft, it can still be extremely damaging, especially when it goes unnoticed. Identity thieves can cause extensive damage to a child’s credit for years before their crime is detected.

Experian® handles 25,000-30,000 fraud cases each year and approximately 17% were targeted at children. According to Michael Bruemmer, Vice President of Consumer Protection for Experian, child identity fraud or theft will affect 25% of kids before turning 18.

Why Do Identity Thieves Target Kids?
Children can be seen as a treasure trove for identity thieves. Because they don’t pay bills, take out loans or hold credit cards, children’s credit histories are clean slates that identity thieves can exploit.

Identity thieves also know that parents and guardians often don’t think to monitor their children’s identities or credit files. Many parents don’t discover their children have been the victims of identity theft until the child has to use his or her Social Security number for the first time, such as on college financial aid applications, or when applying for a first summer job or credit card.

How Thieves Use Children’s Identities

Anything identity thieves can do with an adult’s personal identifying information, they can also do with a child’s information.

For example, they may open credit cards, mortgages, auto loans or other lines of credit in the child’s name. They may use the child’s information to open utility accounts or commit fraud on government, tax, health or employment forms. Criminals may use a child’s identity to conceal their own in order to avoid arrest or prosecution.

Because child identity theft can go undetected for so long, it can be very difficult to clear up the problems it causes.

Protection and Prevention Tips

While identity thieves are creative and motivated, parents and guardians still can do a lot to reduce the risk of their child becoming a victim of identity theft.

Protect your child’s Social Security number. Never share it with anyone who doesn’t have a very good reason for having it. For example, your accountant needs your son’s number if you’re declaring him as a dependent on your tax return, but the softball team he plays for doesn’t need it as identification. It’s always okay to ask for clarification on why your child’s (or your) Social Security number is needed before sharing it. Many times, it’s not actually necessary. Never carry your child’s Social Security card, just as you shouldn’t carry yours around. Memorize the number and keep the card stored in a secure place.

Monitor your child’s personal information. Unrecognized activity involving your child’s email address, phone number, bank accounts or other personal information can be a signal that information has been compromised. Although a phone number may seem innocuous, identity thieves can use your child’s phone number to get access to accounts. Many companies use a phone number for identity verification. Caller ID spoofing allows identity thieves to make your child’s phone number appear when they call one of these companies. They also use automated callers (hoping to get your child to type in or record information), and some are brave enough to impersonate institutions and call your child directly.

Pay attention to privacy policies. Schools, clubs, dentists, doctor’s offices, sports teams, etc.—virtually everyone has a privacy policy that details how your child’s private information will be used, handled and protected. Read these policies to understand potential sources of risk to your child’s information. Also, as mentioned above, you should always ask questions to clarify or understand more if you don’t understand any details or information included in a privacy policy.

Use your own information whenever possible. Parents often share information about their kids without thinking about it. For example, your daughter wants to enroll in a gaming store’s rewards club, and you open the account in her name. While organizations are likely not purposely misusing the information, it’s possible their data, including your child’s information, could be stolen or misused. Protect your child’s personal information by using your own instead, whenever possible.

Avoid oversharing on social media. Social media has become a great way to keep far-off friends and family up to date on what your child is doing. But identity thieves also know social media can be a source of useful information. Avoid sharing personal information about your child on social media with anyone other than people you know personally.

Monitor your child’s social media and online activity. You may want to reconsider or do more research before you allow a minor child to have a social media account in his or her real name. It’s also important to closely monitor your child’s social media use to ensure you know who he or she is talking to and what they’re sharing online.

Keep your home safe. A break-in could net burglars more than just your physical valuables if important documents like birth certificates and Social Security cards are unsecured in your home. Always lock doors and windows, set the alarm if you have one, and keep valuable documents in a safe or another secure, locked location. Fireproof safes that lock are good ways to keep information protected from various threats.

Teach your children well. It’s important for kids to understand identity theft risks. Find age-appropriate ways to talk to children about the topic. You probably already do without even realizing it. For example, telling your young child not to talk to strangers includes her understanding not to tell them her name.

Detecting Signs of Child Identity Theft

Although child identity theft can sometimes be difficult to detect, there are some signs you can watch for:

Your child receives offers for pre-approved credit cards.

You receive bills in your child’s name.

A collection notice arrives with your child’s name on it.

Your application for government benefits for your child is refused because benefits are already being paid out to someone using your child’s Social Security number.

You receive a letter from the IRS saying your child owes taxes. Be aware, however, that any phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS is almost certainly fraudulent. The IRS communicates with taxpayers by U.S. mail only.

If you suspect your child is a victim of identity theft, your first step should be to check his or her credit file. Contact Experian to find out if a credit report already exists in your child’s name—there shouldn’t be one. If a credit report exists, you can look into options like a credit freeze. Experian has more resources on fraud and identity theft to help you and your family stay informed.

What to Do If Your Child’s Identity Is Stolen

If you discover evidence of child identity theft, you should act quickly to:

Notify the credit reporting agencies that fraud has occurred on your child’s file and ask them to investigate.

Notify the business or financial institution that issued the credit or loan. Let them know the account was fraudulently opened in the name of your minor child. Ask them to investigate.

File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.File a fraud report with the FTC online or by calling 877-438-4338.

Child identity theft can be a scary crime for parents to face, but with some vigilance and preventive steps, it’s possible to reduce the risk your child will become a victim of identity thieves.

This article originally appeared on the Experian Blog:

Ellen Sirull is senior manager of content at Experian Consumer Services, a division of Experian, the nation's largest credit bureau. In her role, she helps consumers learn about credit, personal finance and identity theft protection.

Travel with a DIY Mayka Block Tape Table

This post is sponsored and written by me on behalf of Zuru through a campaign managed by their PR. All opinions are my own.

When it comes to traveling with the kids, many of us find that we like to ensure that we have plenty of activities on hand to keep the kids busy with. This might include those games we can all play in the car to those activity and coloring books the kids enjoy as well. And like many, when we pack up the toys, we might pack some action figures and such, but find that the kids would prefer bringing their LEGO's and other building sets along. The thing is, as many of us have learned, that when it comes to the building blocks, they can be a lot harder to use in the car or on a plane ride, and storing them after playing can be a issue as well. So when we were sent some Mayka Block Tape to review, we decided that we would create a DIY Portable Mayka Block Tape Table that can be used when we are traveling.



We found the Mayka Block Tape to be both a great tape to have in the home for the kids to enjoy using when building with their blocks as well as a great product to have when on the go. We also found that with the portable building block table, that the kids could use it at anytime, whether we are on vacation or running errands. Giving the kids a portable LEGO table that allows them to not only have a flat surface to build on, but a fun box to store their blocks in when they are not playing with them! The DIY Mayka Block Tape Table is a very simple project to take on that can really make a difference when traveling with the kids. To get started you will need the following items:

Shoe Box
Wrapping Paper (or any fun designed paper or coloring pages you wish to wrap your box in)
Glue Stick
Scissors
Mayka Block Tape

First, take your shoe box and wrap it using the glue stick as an adhesive to keep the paper on the box. After the box is wrapped up and decorated to your liking, take the Mayka Block Tape and cut strips to fit the top of your box. You can add a variety of colors and sizes of the Mayka Block Tape to the top, which gives kids more to work with and build from. Once your box is complete, fill with LEGO's that can be later accessed on your next trip and enjoy!

Asthma Triggers In Homes That Are Worth Avoiding

Cigarette smoke, dust, pet hairs, mold, dust mites, and roaches are just some of the many asthma triggers in homes. Besides these, an asthma attack can be triggered by other things in the house such as:

1. Central Heating

Some people will note that their asthma acts up or worsens when the indoor heating system is turned on or when it is shut off during spring. The asthma spikes are attributed to the heat, and it could be due to the increasing number of dust mites that multiply rapidly in favorably warm conditions.

Nevertheless, some researchers have found that it is hard for people without central heating in their homes to manage their asthma symptoms; this is according to Dr. Samantha Walker the Executive Director at Research and Policy of Asthma UK. The situation is dire in damp homes with no AC that for those that have the central heating because it produces dry heat.

Central heating is a vital feature in homes, especially during the cold months. It helps in maintaining an ideal warmth indoors, which is crucial for asthmatics who experience issues due to sudden temperature changes (e.g., going from a cold room into a heat one or vice versa). Moreover, central heating is a far better choice compared to relying on gas, electric, or firewood heaters to warm the house.

2. Open Fires

The use of indoor wood-burning stoves or cooking pits with open fires can trigger problems for people with asthma. The burning coal or wood produce fine particles that can be easily inhaled and cause the airways to swell. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the flues are in working and in superb condition before lighting up the coal or wood burners. The chimneys should be cleaned regularly to facilitate the proper escape of smoke and allow the coal of wood to burn.

If your home depends on such open fires, it would be wise to carefully monitor asthma symptoms when the fires are lit during those unfavorable weathers. Also, people with asthma should book an asthma review with their nurse of general physicians when the weather starts changes so that they can be ready. They should request a review of their medications and make the necessary adjustments around the house, such as opening the vents and windows to reduce the risk posed by smoke from the open fires. Also, it will be beneficial to find ways of reducing humidity in the house thus limiting the spread of dust mites.

3. Carpets & Furniture

Carpet, shelving, and furniture manufacturers at times use a chemical called formaldehyde in their products. The same chemicals and also be found in bedding and flooring. Formaldehyde is a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) meaning that the chemical turns into gas at room temperature.

While little evidence exists that would suggest it can trigger asthmatic issues, for most people with asthma, the smell of new furniture, flooring, beddings, or carpets worsens their symptoms. Therefore, the sensible thing to do if you are among those in this category is to limit your exposure to the chemical. Other than that, taking the following steps may also help:

• Ask the retailers to air the flooring, carpet, or shelving before delivering them to you

• Consider buying second-hand furniture; they will have lost much of the formaldehyde.

• Ensure the home or room is well aired when bringing in new carpets, bedding, or furniture.

• For bedding, avoid the synthetic types and go for those made from natural materials. For instance, featherbedding is said to pose little to no risk for people with asthma. Nevertheless, some people will experience some wheezing or other complications with their asthma when they use featherbedding.

• When moving into a house, it is advisable to check with the former tenant or owner and confirm if they had any mold issues or pets. Whichever the case, have the place professionally cleaned before moving in, and the same goes for your furniture, upholstery, and rugs.

4. Cleaning

According to Connect Cleaners, cleanliness is an integral practice that aids in lowering the risk of getting asthmatic complications. However, many of the cleaning products used today contain VOCs - from oven cleaner, and carpet cleaners, to bathroom products, air fresheners, and dry cleaning products. The risk is higher for people with asthma that use spray cleaning products compared to those that use liquid or solid products.

Even then, the smell of these cleaning products is enough to trigger the asthma symptoms. Many of the people in the cleaning profession that handle such products are at risk of developing asthma and related complications.

But since we all need to stay clean, below are some tips that may be helpful:

• Limit the use of spray cleaning products and stick to solid or liquid stuff. The spray fumes are easy to inhale, and this can exasperate the asthma symptoms. If their use is required, then ensure the windows are open and wear a mask to filter the air you breathe as you work.

• Avoid scented products if you can since they tend to have strong scents that can trigger asthmatic attacks. The unscented varieties can still do the same job and give good results.

• Consider alternative cleaning methods that reduce the need for manufacture cleaning products because they contain VOCs. For instance, warm water, a damp cloth, and organic soap can be enough to clean the upholstery and carpets. For the must-use cleaning products, ensure that you get those labeled as allergy friendly.

5. Decorating

Just like with cleaning products, most decorations contain VOCs and exasperate asthma symptoms in some people. However, not all décor materials have such effects. If some of these products, such as glue, paint, and varnishes cause asthma flare-ups, then the following tips may be of help:

• Check the products and use those with low VOC content. Take note of the labeling on these products, such as paints, to know their VOC levels. It would be better to use water-based paints and those with a low-odor.

• Keep the windows and vents open when decorating the house.

6. Building Work And Repairs

Research has found a correlation between poor housing and asthma. Issues such as dampness, inadequate ventilation, and mold, which are synonymous with poor housing, are known to trigger asthma symptoms. Having these problems address will prove helpful.

Proper insulation is vital for maintaining room temperatures, especially during the chilly months. It not only keeps the home warm but also lowers dampness. However, some of the materials used for insulation have VOCs, and thus exposure to these insulations can make things worse for people dealing with asthma. If you have any concerns about such, inquire about the material to be used to know if it contains VOCs and if so, that the material is installed correctly and sealed.

Any building work scheduled for the house will produce dust and fumes. Therefore, if you are planning for such projects, you should check with your asthma nurse or general physician to have your medications reviewed and probably increased before you start work. Otherwise, it would be best to stay over at a relative's or friend's place until the building project is complete.

Know More About Asthma

Consider speaking to your general physician or asthma nurse on how you can lower the risk of asthmatic complications more so if you are uncertain of the triggers around the house that can irritate and worsen your asthma symptoms. Also, you can get more information from Asthma UK Helpline; call 0300-222-5800 and talk to an asthma specialist; they are available during the weekdays, 9 am - 5 pm.