The Indiana Department of Revenue continues to implement security measures to protect Hoosiers and the state from identity theft and identity fraud. Since its inception in 2014, the Identity Protection Program has stopped more than $100 million in fraudulent refund attempts.
Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information – such as your Social Security number, credit card or bank account numbers, passwords, among others – to defraud or commit crimes.
Children can also be victims of identity theft. Children whose identities have been stolen may not find out until they apply for a student loan or credit card and learn that a thief has been using their identities for years.
Parents or guardians of children should pay extra attention to safeguard their children’s information. Here are some ways to protect your child’s identity:
- Check your child’s credit report annually. This can be done by contacting the credit reporting companies and provide proof of your identity and other documents.
- Never carry your child’s Social Security cards with you.
- Before you share your child’s SSN or other personal information, ask why it’s needed and how it will be protected.
Contact your Somerset advisor for additional information, or get in contact with any of our professionals by emailing us at .