Heading back to school is an exciting time of year for kids of all ages. For most, it means new clothes and supplies, and maybe some new friends.
But many parents don’t think about protecting their child’s identity in the transition from the dog days of summer to the classroom.
It’s hard to believe that your child’s identity could be stolen and used for illegal purposes but it does happen, according to the Better Business Bureau.
In a press release, BBB says any child 12 years old or older can apply for a social insurance number and this can open a window of opportunity for a crook.
“Thieves use the information to set up bank accounts, get credit cards and secure loans,” says Evan Kelly, senior communications advisor for BBB serving Mainland BC. “All they have to do is set up a fake address and they are off and running.”
Why do children make good targets for financial scams of this nature?
“They have zero credit history,” Kelly says in the release. “There are no questionable transactions for a bank to raise a red flag on so it’s much more difficult to spot. Imagine being the parent of someone who tries to get a credit card only to find they have a messed-up credit history. These scams can go on for years undetected.”
BBB has some tips for protecting your child’s identity as they head back to school:
• Don’t allow them carry around their social insurance number. Leave it at home and locked in a safe place.
• If a business or school asks for their SIN, ask questions. Why do they need it and where and how is this information being stored? How long is it being stored and how will it be terminated?
• Don’t give their SIN out unless it’s absolutely necessary, and keep a list of where you gave it out. This could help authorities track someone down should something bad happen.
• Educate your child on being safe if they are active in the online world. Keep detailed personal information off of social media profiles.
• Report any concerns to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Toll Free: 1-888-495-8501.
