Child Identity Fraud: A Web of Deception and Loss
- Date:November 02, 2021
- Author(s):
- Tracy Kitten
- Report Details: 21 pages, 9 graphics
- Research Topic(s):
- Fraud & Security
- Fraud Management
- PAID CONTENT
Overview
Child identity fraud costs U.S. families nearly $1 billion annually. It affects one out of every 50 children and takes parents and guardians a tremendous amount of time to resolve. Although child ID theft and fraud are not new, the topic has taken on new and concerning relevance amid the accelerating use of social media, remote learning, and digital purchasing. This report delves into child ID theft and fraud in the United States and showcases the behaviors and characteristics that put children at greatest risk. The report also equips consumers with resources and advice to help identify child ID fraud, resolve it, and prevent it from happening in the future.
Javelin Strategy & Research has made this report a complimentary resource available to the general public. Simply fill out the 'Download Whitepaper Form' on the right. As child ID fraud is extremely underreported and misunderstood, our goal is to help consumers understand how they can best protect themselves and their children.
Key questions discussed in this report:
- Why is child ID fraud often overlooked, misunderstood, and undetected?
- What roles do social media and unmonitored Internet access play in child ID theft and fraud?
- How is child ID theft and fraud evolving by capitalizing on remote learning, digital device usage, and social engineering?
- What should parents and guardians do if they discover fraud that affects or uses their child’s identity?
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FAMILIES TO HELP REDUCE THE RISKS OF CHILD IDENTITY FRAUD:
- Keep personal information private, online and on paper.
- Don’t share your children’s’ information on social media.
- Set positive online examples for your children by practicing safe online behaviors yourself.
- Limit and monitor the use of social media and messaging platforms.
- Monitor your child’s online activity, particularly as it relates to potential cyberbullying.
- Platforms that allow users to direct/private message (DM), friend, or follow other users via public search pose the greatest concern.
- Keep a watchful eye on your child’s credit and consider freezing it.
- Enroll in an identity protection service.
Download Whitepaper Form
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