How to Protect a Foster Child from ID Theft

Foster kids are at greater risk for identity theft than the general population because more people have access to their private information. Their families may be cash-strapped and view the young person's clean credit as an easy fix to a financial problem.

Help protect yourself or a young person you know by following these tips.

Keep personal information private

Friends don't need to know a child's Social Security number or the mother's maiden name.
Don't disclose a youth's Social Security number unless absolutely necessary. If someone is asking for it, ask why they need it and what they'll do to keep it safe.
Beware of people selling fake IDs. Besides the obvious risk of getting caught with a fake ID, the people involved can misuse the information given to create the ID.

Keep personal information safe

Store important documents such as Social Security cards and birth certificates in a safe place, preferably locked up -- not on you or the child, in a wallet or backpack.
Shred unneeded documents that have personal, financial or medical information.

Be safe online

Delete unsolicited emails that ask for personal information.
Use strong passwords, updated virus software and firewalls for online accounts and computers.
Monitor what personal information children are posting online. To ensure a website is secure, look for the lock icon in the address bar and a URL that begins with https//.
Never store a password on a computer or allow a site to recognize the password every time.

Check and protect credit

Order and review a credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or directly from the three credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. If a child is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian may have to initiate a written request.
Check the youth's name with date of birth, and then check the Social Security number separately. Identity thieves often use the Social Security number with a different name and birth date.
Opt out of preapproved credit offers by going to optoutprescreen.com or call toll free 888-5-OPT-OUT (888-567-8688).
Monitor the mail and be suspicious of preapproved credit offers addressed to a child or teen.

After a theft

Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IDtheft.gov. Or call 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338).
Have the youth work with a trusted, financially stable adult to clear up credit problems, preferably before they turn 18. The child should shadow the adult to learn how to handle problems next time.
Place a fraud alert or freeze on the child's credit reports to help prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts using that name.
Go directly to the businesses involved with a copy of the birth certificate proving that the victim was underage when the credit was taken out.
File a police report.
Teach the child what you've done wrong or right with your own credit, and advise them on the importance of building good credit.