Scammers target kids to find Social Security numbers

BALTIMORE - The kids may be back in the classroom, but they’re not the only ones who need a lesson. Experts say parents also need a little schooling when it comes to handing over the key to their kid’s identity. Angie Barnett with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland says, “Think about all the places that have your child’s ID number.”

Places like schools, doctors’ offices and other agencies ask for your kids’ Social Security number. But Barnett believes you need to find out if they really need it and what steps they’ll take to protect it from identity thieves, “We know this is becoming a target for computer hackers. They know that this information is stored there.”

And those scammers also know they can do a ton of damage if they get those numbers so it’s important to guard them closely. Barnett says you shouldn’t carry your child’s Social Security number in your wallet or purse.

Don’t teach the number to your child until they’re old enough to understand it needs to be kept secret and shred any documents that might have the number on it, otherwise – you could be setting your kid up for failure in their future. Barnett explains, “Their first step into adulthood can absolutely be shattered if they’re a victim and they didn’t know it.”