Media Release From: Denise M. Moloney Public Information Officer, 352-797-3609 Re: Keeping I.D. Safe - Kids Act Date: October 27, 2014 Sheriff Al Nienhuis urges parents to take every precaution to keep their children’s identification safe. Please share this information with everyone you know. The new fraud trend is “synthetic IDs.” A synthetic ID is a clean social security number (SSN), one that has never been used before. The easiest way to accomplish this is with a child’s SSN. The suspects use completely fictitious names and dates of birth along with the synthetic IDs to create a “credit profile.” The credit profile is then “groomed” over time by opening bank accounts and other credit items that assist in establishing the “credit profile.” The credit profile is then used to open various credit cards and loans. The use of synthetic IDs can generate an average of $70,000 to $80,000 per ID. It can generate up to $500,000, if “groomed” properly. By creating and protecting your children’s identities, you can create a “credit profile” that will generate a CONFLICT if someone attempts to use your child’s ID. Hopefully, the credit issuing agency can resolve the conflict and decline the fraudulent account(s). Every child is required to have shots as they grow. This creates a medical record and is an easy way for their SSN to be stolen. Unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary, DO NOT provide the entire SSN for medical purposes. Provide the last four digits only – if a SSN is required. On 09-01-14, Florida State Statute 501.0051 Keeping I.D. Safe or Kids Act went into effect. This law allows parents to set up credit records for their children and freeze them, effectively blocking thieves from using a child’s personal information to open a credit card, mortgage, or other financial account. The new law requires consumer reporting agencies to establish and freeze a credit report for a minor upon request by a parent or guardian. For more information, please visit the website: FreshFromFlorida/ProtectYourChild which provides information on the law and gives parents tips on how to protect their child’s personal identification. It also explains what to do if your child’s identity has been compromised.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:56:13 +0000
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