LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Identity theft can happen to anyone, but the Federal Trade Commission says kids in foster care can be particularly vulnerable to this type of cybercrime.
Bad actors target them for several reasons: First, minors don’t typically have credit reports, so it can take years for them to discover any fraudulent accounts opened in their names. Next, foster youth tend to move frequently, making them harder to track in real life. Also, more people have access to their sensitive information. That alone substantially raises their risk of ID theft, as it opens numerous avenues for identity thieves.
If a foster parent or service provider suspects a child’s ID has been hijacked, they should first check to see if they have a credit report. Those under 18 typically don’t, so if there’s a report, it’s likely to be fraudulent. Next, they should freeze the young victim’s credit. The process is different for kids than it is for adults, so check with the major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, for guidance. And finally, keep children’s documents, like their social security card or medical bills, in a secure place. And be sure to shred any documents before you throw them away.
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