Are Kids the New Targets of Identity Thefts?

A recent article, titled “Children Becoming Prime Identity Theft Targets”, reports the findings of a recent study by the Identity Theft Resource Center:

“According to a recent study by the Identity Theft Resource Center, based in San Diego, the theft usually takes place early in the child’s life. The researchers found that, in 54 percent of the cases, the theft took place before the child was six years old. The study also found that, while parents or other relatives were the most likely perpetrators, other identity thieves increasingly target children for one simple reason. It’s easy to do, and to get away with for long periods of time before discovery.”

This article also highlights that:

“Of the more than 255,000 identity theft complaints received in 2005 by the Federal Trade Commission, five percent involved people 18 or younger, an increase from three percent in 2003.”

--- NOTE: my original HP blog can be found here ---