Thieves are targeting children for their social security numbers, according to authorities with the New Mexico Attorney General’s office. "Well, unfortunately we've seen an increase in crimes against child’s identity. And what we've seen is people take their social security number for financial gains," said Rebecca Branch, Deputy Director for consumer protection at the New Mexico Attorney General's office. Officials with the Attorney General’s office said child ID theft has spiked around the country over the last two years, and it’s a problem that is also growing in New Mexico. "One of the reasons is because it takes so long to detect because children aren't using their credit until they turn eighteen," said Branch. Investigators said thieves target children’s social security numbers because they are unused. Thieves then attach any name and birth date to it, according to investigators, and use the numbers to purchase homes and cars. But that’s not all, according to Branch. “If someone uses your child’s ID as a crime, they can get felonies on there,” she said. “If they work under your childs’ identity, they have tax implications.” The attorney general’s office has some tips for parents to lessen the chance of their child becoming a victim. Officials suggest checking your child’s credit, and keep all documents with your child’s information locked away in a safe place. They also suggest watching for mail in your child’s name for credit card offers because that’s an indicator the child may have an open line of credit. And if that happens, contact the New Mexico Attorney General’s office at 505-222-9000.
Child ID theft on the rise in NM
Thieves are targeting children for their social security numbers, according to authorities with the New Mexico Attorney General’s office. "Well, unfortunately we've seen an increase in crimes against child’s identity. And what we've seen is people take their social security number for financial gains," said Rebecca Branch, Deputy Director for consumer protection at the New Mexico Attorney General's office. Officials with the Attorney General’s office said child ID theft has spiked around the country over the last two years, and it’s a problem that is also growing in New Mexico. "One of the reasons is because it takes so long to detect because children aren't using their credit until they turn eighteen," said Branch. Investigators said thieves target children’s social security numbers because they are unused. Thieves then attach any name and birth date to it, according to investigators, and use the numbers to purchase homes and cars. But that’s not all, according to Branch. “If someone uses your child’s ID as a crime, they can get felonies on there,” she said. “If they work under your childs’ identity, they have tax implications.” The attorney general’s office has some tips for parents to lessen the chance of their child becoming a victim. Officials suggest checking your child’s credit, and keep all documents with your child’s information locked away in a safe place. They also suggest watching for mail in your child’s name for credit card offers because that’s an indicator the child may have an open line of credit. And if that happens, contact the New Mexico Attorney General’s office at 505-222-9000.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment