Hey there, fellow guardians of the galaxy! Today, we’re diving into a topic scarier than any horror movie villain: identity theft. But plot twist, it’s not just adults who are at risk. Even kids—especially those in foster care—are prime targets for this digital pickpocketing. These young ones often find themselves moving around more than a game of musical chairs, which unfortunately means more folks have access to their info. So, how can we protect these vulnerable kiddos? Let’s break it down.
The Unseen Menace
When it comes to identity theft, kids are like the secret sauce: unexpected and often overlooked. But the thing is, minors don’t typically have credit reports. So, they might not even realize their identities have been stolen until they’re all grown up and applying for jobs, housing, or credit. Surprise! That’s not the kind of birthday gift anyone wants.
Superhero Move: Credit Freeze
Enter the credit freeze—a superhero cape for safeguarding identities. Thanks to federal law, parents, legal guardians, and child welfare representatives can swoop in and freeze credit for those under 16. This magical freeze keeps the baddies out and stops any sneaky activity before it starts. Plus, child welfare agencies are already required to review credit reports annually for foster youth aged 14 and older. Vigilance is our trusty sidekick here!
How to Save the Day
Check for a Credit Report: Even though most under 18 don’t have one, it’s worth checking. Contact the three nationwide credit bureaus to do a manual search using the child’s Social Security number. You might need to prove you’re the authorized adult, so have those documents ready.
Freeze the Credit: Only authorized adults can do this. The process is a bit different for minors, so head over to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for the how-to guide. It’s like putting a snow globe over their info—no bad guys allowed!
Secure Their Personal Data: Imagine locking up their info like it’s the crown jewels. Keep things like medical bills and Social Security cards safe and sound. Shred any documents before they hit the trash. And don’t forget to chat with the kids about why this is important. Knowledge is power, after all!
The Takeaway
Remember, folks, protecting a child’s identity is like having a fire extinguisher—you hope you never need it, but it’s great to have just in case. So, if you’re a foster parent, service provider, or just someone who knows a kid in foster care, spread the word and arm yourself with these tips. Together, we can keep those identity thieves out of our kids’ futures.
For more tips and tricks on keeping identities safe, check out the FTC’s article on child identity theft. They’re the real MVPs!
Original article at FTC: Protecting Foster Youth from Identity Theft
Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/09/how-help-protect-foster-youth-identity-theft