Scam alert: “Free child safety kits” could lead to your child’s identity being stolen

“Scammers may insist that to receive your kit, you need to tell them sensitive personal information about your child, including their full name, address, birth date, and Social Insurance Number.”

Some parents told the BBB that the scammers have even insisted that meeting the child in person at their home was a requirement.

The BBB is warning that, if you provide this information, your child will be a likely target of identity theft and say that children are more likely to have their identities stolen than adults.

“Scammers know that people rarely, if ever, check their child’s credit report, which means they can get away with using a child’s name and information for years before being found out. In addition, children’s credit scores are a clean slate, making them an ideal target.”

The organization has provided some tips for how to avoid scams involving your children. They include:

Never give your child’s personal information to a stranger, especially if they ask for details like their Social Insurance Number
Be wary of unsolicited offers. Legitimate businesses and organizations will not contact you out of the blue without getting your permission first. Governments will generally contact you by mail before making phone calls
Check your child’s credit score annually and immediately report it for potential fraud if something seems off
Make sure organizations like your child’s school and doctor’s office will keep their information safe before you give it to them

by David Opinko

Scam alert: “Free child safety kits” could lead to your child’s identity being stolen

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