According to the American Bankers Association, identity theft has impacted one household in four over the past five years. Even more alarming is that children, even newborns, are becoming the victims of identity theft. Identity thieves often target children because it may go unnoticed for several years until that child attempts to open their first bank account or apply for that first car loan.

It’s important to teach your child to keep their personal information private. They should not share passwords, Social Security numbers, bank account information including PIN numbers or any other personal data.

With easy access to computers and cell phones today, children are at greater risk than ever before. As parents, we need to be aware of both online and offline dangers. Social networking sites such as Facebook.com, Friendster.com and MySpace.com are popular with teens and college students, but can be a source of information gathering if your teen isn’t aware. Caution your kids to never post personal information on these sites such as their address, cell phone numbers and previous employers. This is information that could lead someone to create a credit account in his or her name.

It can take months or even years to undo the damage of identity theft but fortunately there are some basic steps you can take now as a parent to protect them:

· Assess your own habits around the house. Never discard bills or bank statements that may contain account numbers and other personal information in your garbage.

· Leave your family’s Social Security cards at home and be very careful about giving out your children’s Social Security card numbers or copies of birth certificates. Always question whether or not this is really necessary.

· Encourage children to keep their computer password and PIN numbers safe by changing them regularly.

· Look for privacy policies on any web site that your child uses to learn if they are collecting any personal information, how it will be used and whether or not it will be passed on to third parties.

· Ensure your home computer is protected with a strong firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and privacy software. Be especially careful with wireless use as Wi-Fi networks can create additional risk.

· Be careful when opening attachments, downloading files or opening e-mails from people you don’t know.
· Set rules for using the Internet and instant messaging and monitor your child’s activity.