Identity Predators Don't Take Vacations

Submitted By: LifeLock

Summer is here, and while you're getting ready for your next well-deserved break, identity predators are working overtime to separate your family from your good name. They don't take the week off, which is why identity theft is one of America's fastest growing crimes. Affecting nearly 10 million Americans last year, anyone can become a victim - including children.

Kids can be especially vulnerable to identity predators because no one thinks to check their credit report. That means a theft often isn't discovered until a child turns 18 and is turned down for a school loan, an apartment, or their first job.

Todd Davis, CEO of LifeLock, the leader in proactive identity theft protection, offers these four tips to help you avoid the hours, dollars, and headache it can take to repair the damage of identity theft:

1. Protect your child's Social Security number. In the hands of an identity predator, your child's Social Security number is a gold mine. Don’t carry your child’s Social Security card with you or give out their Social Security number if it’s not necessary. If a business, doctor, or financial institution asks for their Social, ask why they need it and see if it’s possible to substitute another identifier.
2. Discuss what information is not okay to share online.
   Criminals can take advantage of email and social networking sites to trick your child into downloading viruses and revealing their personal information. Make sure your children know they should get your permission before sharing any information or clicking on links – even if the request looks like it’s from a reputable source.
3. Request your child's Earnings Statement from the Social Security Administration.
   The Earnings Statement is a record of how much you have earned in your lifetime. If your child doesn’t yet have a job, they shouldn’t have any earnings. If their statement shows income it could be an indicator of identity theft.
4. Let experts help protect you and your family.
   While preventative measures can be done by anyone, nothing can stop all identity theft. Credit monitoring only alerts you after someone has misused your identity, but many companies do exist to provide consumers with expertise in helping to protect your identity. When selecting one of these companies, make sure that they provide convenience, support, protection and a guarantee that will aid you if you do become a victim.
   
   In the unfortunate event that your child's identity is compromised, file a police report immediately and notify all of your banks, creditors and document issuing companies.

As a special offer, Todd Davis is giving all InstantAmber members 10% off LifeLock identity theft protection for the entire family. LifeLock, the leader in identity theft protection, helps protect your identity - even if your information falls into the wrong hands. As a LifeLock member, if you become a victim of identity theft because of a failure in LifeLock's service, they'll help fix it at their expense, up to $1,000,000. (Restrictions apply, see lifelock.com for details.)

To take advantage of this discount and help protect your family today call 1-800-LIFELOCK or visit www.lifelock.com and use promotion code 'INSTANTAMBER'.