Posted on 2015-03-18 09:00:44
No one is immune to becoming an identity theft victim—not even teenagers. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission reports a growing trend in identity theft victims under the age of 18. Teens may be targeted for identity theft because they usually have a clean credit record, and they are less likely to monitor their credit. That alone gives identity thieves a large window of opportunity. The crime may go on for years, discovered only when a young adult applies for credit or a student loan.
Sadly, the identity thief may be someone related to the child. It may be a parent who is struggling financially and sees a clean slate by using his or her child’s Social Security number or personal information. Children are often reluctant to report the crime when the perpetrator is a relative—especially when it’s Mom or Dad.
Another characteristic of teens that increases their vulnerability to become identity theft victims is their trusting nature. Teens are still figuring out life. One study reports that over one third of teens surveyed admit to sharing at least one username and password with someone other than their parents. This risky behavior can lead to identity theft and other crimes. Friends come and go. A friend today may be an ex-friend tomorrow.