Social Security Number Stolen: Identity Theft
Summary
My son’s social security number was stolen in 2018, the theft led to legal challenges, including filing a police report and dealing with credit bureaus to secure the account. The host emphasizes the anxiety of such situations and the importance of taking preventative measures to protect personal information.
Hear practical advice for safeguarding against identity theft, particularly for children. Learn steps to take if identity theft occurs, highlighting the importance of prompt action to mitigate damage.
Lessons Learned
Be Vigilant About Personal Information: Protecting Social Security numbers and other sensitive data is crucial, especially for children who may not be actively monitoring their credit.
Act Quickly When Identity Theft Occurs: Prompt action, such as filing a police report and freezing credit, can help mitigate the damage caused by identity theft.
Utilize Credit Monitoring Tools: Regularly check credit reports and set up alerts to catch any unauthorized activity early.
Question the Need for Personal Information: Before providing a Social Security number or other sensitive details, ask if it’s truly necessary and explore alternatives, especially when dealing with schools or healthcare providers.
Take Preventative Measures: Simple steps like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and securely storing important documents can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft.
Stay Informed About Data Breaches: Awareness of data breaches and understanding the risks they pose can help you take timely protective actions.
Resources
Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.
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Tool from Consumer Reports called Permission Slip for sending multiple data deletion requests
FTC Protect Child
Dark Web Monitoring
Companies like Incogni that scan the web for personal information and request its removal on your behalf
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