Main culprits in kids' ID theft? Family members

The Fort Worth teenager had her credit stolen by her godmother, the woman she was named after.  Paradez didn’t discover what happened until eight years later, when she tried to buy a car and the salesmen told her she had a 14-page long negative credit report.

Her godmother said she’d make amends with the reporting agencies, but Paradez says her credit is still a mess.

“I never thought anyone in my family could do this to anyone, much less to me,” said Paradez, who is now 20. “It has changed everything for me.”

She had trouble getting a job due to her credit history, and she recently postponed her wedding for fear her credit record would then be linked to her husband-to-be.

There’s been an unexpected price, as well. Paradez’s mother filed a police report on the theft, so she could begin repairing her daughter’s credit. When she did so, other family members cut off contact with Paradez and her parents. Those relatives are angry about the report and say it should have remained a private family matter.

“This really has torn our family apart,” explained Melissa Paradez, Elizabeth’s mother.  “We’ve had no contact with much of our family for two years. They’re embarrassed it became public knowledge.”

Parents must be vigilant guardians
Foley says parents can help protect their children. “I think we have to be as vigilant regarding their information as we are in guarding their physical being,” she explained.  “Ask questions. Why does someone need their Social Security number.”

Foley said the information should never be given out on non-essential forms, like a sports team application.  She said schools often ask for the number, but they must provide children with an education whether they receive it or not.

She also recommends shredding all papers containing a Social Security number, like many medical forms. Foley's number one piece of advice is to keep the information under lock and key.

“Please moms, stop carrying your kids' Social Security numbers in your wallet,” said Foley. “That is an open invitation for theft. Yours shouldn’t be in there, either.”

Back in the Dallas area, Cindy Puckett vows she’ll try to clear her daughter’s credit. But, all her daughter cares about is that her mommy is back. “Well, I love her to pieces,” said Shiloh Puckett. “I’m glad she’s home.”

MORE FROM SECURITY

Security Section Front

Framed for child porn — by a PC virus In China, battles over a new wall Spain: Internet-related child porn on the rise Google providing better view of personal data EU agrees on new Internet user rights Red Tape: ‘Fakeosphere’ ads target consumers Internet censorship limits could be set by WTO Cubans say Craigslist-like site is blocked Security center opens to battle computer attacks Reports: N. Korea behind cyberattacks on U.S. Security Section Front   Add Security headlines to your news reader: