child identity theft description
Child identity theft is a growing problem that affects millions of families each year. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), about 1 in 40 families with children under the age of 18 have experienced some form of identity theft. This alarming statistic highlights the need for parents to be vigilant in protecting their children’s personal information.
But what exactly is child identity theft? How does it happen? And what can parents do to prevent it? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more to help you understand this serious issue.
What is Child Identity Theft?
Child identity theft occurs when a criminal steals a child’s personal information, such as their Social Security number, date of birth, or name, and uses it to open credit accounts, take out loans, or make purchases. This type of identity theft can go undetected for years, as children typically don’t have a credit history until they reach their late teens.
The consequences of child identity theft can be devastating. Not only can it damage a child’s credit score and make it difficult for them to obtain credit in the future, but it can also impact their ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or even apply for a college loan.
How Does Child Identity Theft Happen?
There are several ways in which a child’s identity can be stolen. One common method is through data breaches. Hackers can access sensitive information from companies or organizations that store children’s personal data, such as schools, doctors’ offices, or even government agencies.
Another way is through a family member or someone known to the child. This is known as “familiar fraud,” where a relative or family friend uses the child’s personal information for their own gain. This could be a parent, grandparent, or even a non-custodial parent seeking revenge against the custodial parent.
In some cases, children may also unknowingly become victims of identity theft through social media. Children often share personal information online, such as their date of birth, school, or even their address, making it easy for thieves to gather the necessary information to steal their identity.
What Are the Signs of Child Identity Theft?
The signs of child identity theft may not be as obvious as those for adults. Children typically don’t monitor their credit reports or receive credit card statements, so the theft can go unnoticed for a long time. However, there are some red flags that parents should watch out for, such as:
– Receiving credit card offers or other financial documents addressed to the child
– Being denied government benefits because the child’s Social Security number is already in use
– Receiving collection calls or bills for accounts the child didn’t open
– Seeing unauthorized charges on the child’s credit report
– Receiving notifications from the IRS that the child’s taxes have already been filed
What Can Parents Do to Prevent Child Identity Theft?
As a parent, there are several steps you can take to protect your child’s personal information and prevent them from becoming a victim of identity theft.
1. Safeguard Personal Information
The first step is to safeguard your child’s personal information. Be careful about sharing their Social Security number, date of birth, or any other sensitive data. Ask why the information is needed and how it will be used before providing it.
2. Monitor Your Child’s Credit Report
Just like adults, children have a credit report, and it’s vital to monitor it regularly. You can request a free credit report for your child from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year. Look for any suspicious activity and report it immediately.
3. Be Cautious of Social Media
Teach your child to be cautious about what they share on social media. Encourage them not to post personal information and to use privacy settings to limit who can see their posts.
4. Keep Sensitive Documents Secure
Keep your child’s personal documents, such as their Social Security card, birth certificate, and passport, in a secure location. Shred any documents that contain personal information before discarding them.
5. Consider a Credit Freeze
A credit freeze restricts access to your child’s credit report, making it more difficult for thieves to open new accounts in their name. You can request a credit freeze from each of the credit bureaus for your child, and it’s free of charge.
6. Educate Your Child
It’s important to educate your child about the risks of identity theft and how to protect their personal information. Teach them not to give out their Social Security number or other sensitive data without your permission, and to report any suspicious activity to you.
What Should You Do if Your Child’s Identity is Stolen?
If you suspect that your child’s identity has been stolen, take immediate action to limit the damage. Contact the three major credit bureaus and request a credit freeze. You should also place a fraud alert on your child’s credit report, which will require lenders to verify your identity before extending credit.
Contact the companies where the fraudulent accounts were opened and let them know that your child is a minor and did not open the account. You should also file a report with the FTC and local law enforcement.
Final Thoughts
Child identity theft is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on a child’s financial future. As a parent, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to protect your child’s personal information and monitor their credit report regularly. By being vigilant and educating your child about the risks of identity theft, you can help prevent them from becoming a victim of this crime.
likes on instagram how to see
Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years, with over 1 billion active users worldwide. With its focus on visual content, it has become the go-to platform for sharing photos and videos with friends and followers. As with any social media platform, one of the main aspects that users are interested in is the number of likes their posts receive. In this article, we will explore how to see likes on Instagram and understand the impact it has on users and the platform itself.
Likes on Instagram are a form of engagement, and they play a significant role in the platform’s algorithm. The algorithm determines which posts are shown to users on their explore page, and the number of likes is one of the factors it takes into consideration. Therefore, it is not surprising that users are interested in finding out how many likes their posts receive and how they can see them.
There are several ways to see likes on Instagram, and it depends on whether you want to see the likes on your own posts or someone else’s. Let’s start by exploring how to see likes on your own posts. When you open the Instagram app, you will see a heart icon at the bottom of the screen. This is your activity tab, and it contains all your notifications, including likes, comments, and new followers. When you tap on the heart icon, you will see all the likes you have received on your posts.
If you want to see more detailed information about your post’s likes, you can tap on the post itself. This will take you to the post’s page, and you will see the number of likes at the bottom of the photo or video. By tapping on the number, you will see a list of all the users who have liked your post. You can also see the likes from your followers and non-followers separately by tapping on the “Followers” and “Others” tabs. This is a great way to see who is engaging with your posts and to engage with them in return.
Now, let’s move on to how to see likes on someone else’s posts. If you want to see the likes on a post from another user, you can tap on the post to go to its page. Next, tap on the number of likes, and you will see the same list of users who have liked the post. However, if the account is set to private, you will not be able to see the likes unless you are following the user and they have approved your request.
Another way to see likes on Instagram is through the “Following” tab. When you tap on your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen, you will see three tabs at the top: “Posts,” “IGTV,” and “Following.” By tapping on the “Following” tab, you will see a list of all the accounts you follow. If you tap on any of these accounts, you will see their posts, and by tapping on the number of likes, you can see who has liked their posts.
Apart from seeing likes on your own posts and others’ posts, there are also third-party apps and websites that claim to show you the number of likes on any Instagram account. However, it is important to note that these apps and websites are not affiliated with Instagram, and it is not recommended to use them. They may be in violation of Instagram’s terms of use, and your account could be at risk of being hacked or compromised.
Now that we know how to see likes on Instagram, let’s explore the impact they have on the platform and its users. Instagram has been testing removing the number of likes on posts in some countries, such as Canada, Australia, and Brazil. This move has sparked a debate on whether likes are necessary on social media and their impact on mental health. Some argue that likes create a sense of validation and self-worth, while others believe it leads to comparison and anxiety.
For influencers and brands, the number of likes is an important metric to measure their success and reach. It also plays a significant role in collaborations and partnerships, as companies often look at the number of likes when deciding to work with an influencer. However, with the increasing focus on mental health and authenticity, some influencers and brands have started to shift their focus to other metrics, such as engagement rates and reach.
On the other hand, removing the number of likes could also have a positive impact on the platform. It could encourage users to focus on creating quality content rather than getting likes, and it could also reduce the pressure to constantly post and seek validation. It could also level the playing field for smaller accounts, as the number of likes would no longer be a primary factor in determining the success of a post.
In conclusion, likes on Instagram are a crucial aspect of the platform, and users are interested in finding out how to see them. As we have explored, there are various ways to see likes, and it depends on whether you want to see your own likes or someone else’s. However, with the ongoing debate on the impact of likes on mental health and authenticity, we may see changes in the way likes are displayed on the platform in the future.
pokemon games on ios
Pokemon, short for Pocket Monsters, is a popular media franchise owned by the Japanese company, Nintendo. The franchise was created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1995 and has since become a worldwide sensation, spanning across multiple platforms such as video games, trading card games, television shows, movies, and more. The most widely known aspect of the Pokemon franchise is its video games, which have been released on various platforms over the years, including iOS devices. In this article, we will dive into the world of Pokemon games on iOS and explore why they have become so popular among gamers.
The first Pokemon game to be released on iOS devices was Pokemon Red and Blue, which were originally released for the Game Boy in 1996. These games were later re-released for the Game Boy Color in 1998 and then for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. However, it wasn’t until 2012 that the games were made available on iOS devices through the App Store. This was a significant moment for Pokemon fans, as it marked the first time that these classic games were available on a modern platform.
The release of Pokemon Red and Blue on iOS devices was met with great excitement from fans, who were eager to relive their childhood memories and catch ’em all on their iPhones and iPads. The games were updated with modern features such as touch screen controls and improved graphics, making them more accessible and enjoyable for players. This move by Nintendo also showed their willingness to adapt to the changing gaming landscape and cater to the growing mobile market.
Following the success of Pokemon Red and Blue on iOS, Nintendo continued to release more Pokemon games on the platform. In 2014, they released Pokemon Gold and Silver, the second generation of Pokemon games, on the App Store. These games were originally released for the Game Boy Color in 2000 and were well-received by fans and critics alike. The fact that these games were now available on iOS devices meant that players could experience the nostalgia of playing them on a modern platform.
In 2016, Nintendo released Pokemon Go, a mobile game that took the world by storm. Unlike the traditional Pokemon games, Pokemon Go used augmented reality (AR) technology, allowing players to catch Pokemon in the real world using their smartphones. The game became an instant hit, with millions of downloads and players all around the world. Its success showed the potential of mobile gaming and the power of the Pokemon franchise.
Aside from the mainline Pokemon games, there have also been spin-offs and side games released on iOS devices. One example is Pokemon Quest , a free-to-play game that was released in 2018. The game features a blocky, voxel art style and allows players to explore an island and battle wild Pokemon using a team of three. It was a departure from the traditional Pokemon formula but still attracted a significant number of players.
Another spin-off game that was released on iOS devices was Pokemon Masters, which came out in 2019. This game is a free-to-play mobile RPG that features iconic trainers from the Pokemon franchise and allows players to battle alongside them in 3v3 battles. The game also features an original storyline and new characters, making it a unique experience for Pokemon fans.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of Pokemon games on iOS devices is the convenience it offers. With the widespread use of smartphones, players can now carry their favorite Pokemon games with them wherever they go. This means that they can play the games on the go, during their daily commute, or even while waiting in line. The touch screen controls also make it easier for players to navigate through the game, making it more accessible for all ages.
Furthermore, the iOS versions of Pokemon games often come with additional features and updates that were not available in the original games. For example, Pokemon Red and Blue on iOS devices have updated graphics and sound effects, as well as new features such as the ability to trade Pokemon with other players via Bluetooth. This adds a new level of excitement and replay value for fans who have already played the original versions of the game.
The popularity of Pokemon games on iOS devices can also be attributed to the social aspect of gaming. With the rise of social media and online communities, players can now connect with other Pokemon fans from all around the world. This has created a sense of camaraderie and community among players, as they share their experiences and strategies with each other. The release of Pokemon Go, in particular, brought people together as they went out to catch Pokemon and participate in raids and events.
Moreover, the constant updates and events for Pokemon games on iOS devices also keep players engaged and coming back for more. These updates often include new Pokemon, features, and events, ensuring that the games remain fresh and exciting for players. This is an effective strategy by Nintendo to keep the games relevant and to ensure that players keep playing and spending money on in-game purchases.
In conclusion, Pokemon games on iOS devices have become a significant part of the franchise’s success. The availability of classic games such as Pokemon Red and Blue, as well as new spin-off games like Pokemon Go and Pokemon Masters, has made it a must-have for fans and casual gamers alike. The convenience, updated features, and social aspect of these games have contributed to their popularity and have cemented the Pokemon franchise as a powerhouse in the world of mobile gaming. With the recent release of Pokemon Sword and Shield on the Nintendo Switch , fans can only hope for more Pokemon games to make their way onto iOS devices in the future.