My 11 year old just received a CREDIT CARD!

By Yolanda Kennedy

Have you notice that you can barley get though all your junk mail and now your kids are getting junk mail. Sometimes they are receiving magazines in their names or even pre approved credit cards. How can this be when they don't even have jobs?

Well, mom or dad you may be contributing to this madness. How many times this year have you given out your child's social security number? Many doctor's offices are asking for your child's social security number now and if you are like most parents you give it out and not even think twice about it. Does your child have a credit union or bank account in their name? Are your children, (with your permission) giving their contact information on kid's sites on the net?

These are all places that sometimes sell or share (as they like to state) information with their partner companies. This is only one way that some of these companies get your child's information. Another way is if your child has a bank account. Some companies use the databases of major credit reporting companies like Trans Union, Equifax, Experian or Innovis. After obtaining data then your child's information goes into the databases with everyone else and guess what. the company does not have a clue that this person is a minor.

Educate your child about the importance of their social security number and how they have a right to keep it private. Also, take note of these tips to minimize the credit madness:

 Most doctors, dentists and other medical professional offices like to have social security numbers for record keeping purposes. If you are asked for your child's social security number find out why they need it, if you do not think that it is a viable reason, you can refuse to give it. Your child is not responsible for paying the bill and they probably already have your social security number because you are the one insured.

 If your child insists on getting the latest free download (even if it is a kid's site) give your contact information.

 Call The Opt-Out Department at 1-888-567-8688.You can have your family excluded for 2 years or permanently from all the pre approved credit offers that use the major credit reporting databases.

Above all, be as protective about your child's personal information as you are with your child. Just like we teach our children to be cautious toward strangers, we need to teach them to guard their personal information equally as well.

Yolanda Kennedy is a mother, wife, friend and neighbor who believes education is the key to building the life you want for your family. Her business www.UnitedHomesByOwner.com helps homeowners save thousands instead of paying it to an agent.

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