Detective_Mike
Moderator
Registered: 07/18/08
Posts: 11
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| | 07/22/08 at 05:55 PM | Reply with quote | #1 |
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Many parents don't know or aren't aware of child Identity Theft. This is becoming the fastest growing crime against children that destroys their future and stays silent until they become teenagers. Many children have their social security numbers and birth certificates sold on the black market to be used by ID crooks. The reason children are such a target now? The crime usually continues for several years undetected. Parents I've worked with found out when the following "clues" surfaced:
1. Advertisement's in the mail being sent to their child.
2. Telephone solicitors calling to sell products to the child.
3. When a family member called the child's name appeared on caller ID. (family ID theft)
4. The child was receiving offers of approved credit.
So what can you do to protect your child?
Order a free credit report yearly for your children. If they are under the age of 14 there should be no record maintained. If the report indicates the child has a credit record order a detailed report and file a police report and contact all of the credit reporting agencies.Police officers, if your state has "redaction" laws where your personal information is removed via a court order, do it! Once you have the court order to protect the family address use the court order when signing your child up for school or programs. This helps from their information from being released. Protect your child's information when participating in ALL school functions.Parents are often asked to show a copy of a birth certificate and/or Social Security card in order for their children to participate in after school sports. Coaches often ask for photocopies of these papers. Ask if the coach has had a criminal and financial background check done by an independent or hiring source. If not, will one be done? This should be an automatic practice due to the amount of child molestation and child information theft. Shred all papers that you throw out that contain account or Social Security Number. Do not carry your or your child’s Social Security Number in your wallet, including Social Security cards. If necessary (i.e. health insurance cards) make a photocopy of the card, cut off the last 4 numbers of the Social Security Number and carry that photocopy with you on a daily basis. Only carry original cards on days you know you will need them. Then if your wallet is lost or stolen, this information will not be stolen. Students- when possible, ask your college not to use your Social Security Number as your college ID number. If they insist on doing so, only carry your original card on the days you need it. Ask to not include the number on rosters that others may see and insist that it not be posted in public display areas. Lock your information away. Roommates may seem friendly and end up as good friends, but too many victims have found out that an unscrupulous roommate or friend has stolen their information. Watch your backpacks, briefcases, or anything you carry your wallets or important papers at all times (this includes in class, at lunch and in the library). Use a locked mailbox to send and receive all mail. Do not leave mail unattended for pickup in an “out” box. Resist giving out your driver’s license number or Social Security Number (or child’s Social Security Number) unless they have a good reason for needing it. A doctor’s office is a great place for a child pro filer to collect information. Make sure that the physician is aware of that and that his or her staff is taking proper precautions with your child’s information. Watch for people who may try to eavesdrop and overhear the information you give out orally.
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Detective Mike
OptOutDetectives.com
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Detective_Mike
Moderator
Registered: 07/18/08
Posts: 11
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| | 07/23/08 at 03:45 PM | Reply with quote | #2 |
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I read your Myspace! page, you live in Oklahoma. I know the town you live in and where you work because it is listed in your details. You have two children, girls to be exact! Kelsey, age 6 & Madison, age 3. They are very cute and you are very proud of them, I know this because their pictures are on your page. You are happily married to Justin for 12 years, he works nights. You have a dog Jasper and some fish. You spent Christmas at your mom’s house and made it home in time to wrap the girl’s gifts and get them under the tree. Luckily your mom lives in the next town. Your best friend Kathy (I know what she looks like and all about her too, she is the first picture on your top friends) are meeting at the mall on Thursday. I know this because it was posted in a comment.
I know your name Mary and your favorite color is blue and that you are 5’4”, green eyes, blond hair and drive a white Mazda oh and Justin drives a black Ford pick-up. You love Mexican & Italian food. CSI, Cold Case & House are your favorite shows. Your favorite comedy is Everybody Loves Raymond. The last person you spoke to is your brother Mike, he is third on your friends list.
There is so much more I can tell you about yourself and your family thanks to the information you placed on your page, in your comments, blogs and in survey bulletins. You have made it all very easy for me. Now it should not be so hard to find you.
Thanks!
Online Predator
TAKE THE CHALLENGE:
Get out a piece of paper and write down all the personal things about yourself, family and friends that you have placed on your page. Then read through your comments and write down the personal things you have posted. Go to (if any) surveys you filled out and posted as a bulletin and write that down.
This is how predators gather information about you, your loved ones and friends. Please think about what you post, if not for yourself, then think about all the kids that are doing this.
Don’t make a predator’s job easy…..Make a Difference!!!
Thank you and please be safe.
Kids Come First
Posted with permission from:
http://www.kidscomefirstonline.org
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Detective Mike
OptOutDetectives.com |
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