"Now identity theft affects 1.25 million kids — or about 1 out of 50 children — every year, according to the research firm Javelin.
May 08, 2024
Question of the Day: How many minors have had their identity stolen?
Pro Tip: Your social security number and social media do NOT mix.
Answer: 1 in 50
Questions:
- Why do you think ID theft happens so frequently to minors?
- What would you do if you found out that someone was using your Social Security number to open accounts?
- How can you check to make sure this hasn't happened to you?
Behind the numbers (Washington Post):
Most of the time, child identity theft victims know the perpetrators personally, Javelin’s data shows. But social media and the data economy play a growing role. Kids have a hard time distinguishing between good and bad intentions when they meet people on the internet, says Kelly Merryman, president and chief operating officer of digital safety company Aura. Sometimes they disclose information that’s useful to identity thieves. It doesn’t help that schools, camps and other caregivers still ask for kids’ sensitive data like Social Security numbers and home addresses — information that, once digitized, can fall into the wrong hands."
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NGPF's Consumer Skills unit will help prepare your students to be savvy when it comes to protecting their identity.
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Want to reinforce how many different types of identity theft we face on a daily basis? Try COMPARE: Types of Identity Theft.
About the Author
Ryan Wood
Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.
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