Words To The Wise

Recently the Los Angeles Times posted a warning about identity theft and kids. What follows are guidelines and safety tips.

1. Educate your teens about Social Security Numbers
They should know what their social security number is and know the importance of keeping the number private.
2. Warn your teens about Phishing
We have all heard about those crazy emails from a deposed dictator who wants to wire you $1,000,000? Many kids do not have any idea these are total scams. Tell your kids to immediately report these emails as spam and do not download or click on anything in the email.
3. Rip up mail with information on it
Teens often get credit card offers, bank statements or other mail with personal information. They need to get in the habit of ripping up their mail before throwing it away- thieves can go through trash to get information.
4. Shield home computers from viruses and spies
Protect personal information. Use strong passwords with at least eight characters, including a combination of letters, numbers and symbols, easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess. Use firewall, virus and spyware protection software and update it regularly. Steer clear of spyware. Download free software only from sites you know and trust. Don't install software without knowing what it is.
5. Set Internet Explorer browser security to at least "medium".
Teach your kids not to click on links in pop-up windows.
6. "Click" carefully
Teach kids about shopping online and to check out a Web site before entering credit card numbers or other personal information.
7. Stop Pre-Approved credit offers
Have your name removed from credit bureau marketing lists. Call toll-free 1-888-50PTOUT (567-8688).
8. Monitor credit reports and know what and where your kids are spending
Check credit reports and look out for suspicious activity.

Identity theft is daunting enough for ourselves. Now we're warned to watch our for our kids too! Hope this information helps.