Experian Identity Theft Statistics | Know the Risks

Experian Identity Theft Statistics: A Kid's Guide to Staying Safe Online

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Identity theft… it sounds scary, right? But it's not something that only grown-ups need to worry about. Even kids can be targets! This article is your guide to understanding the risks of identity theft and what you can do to protect yourself.

What is Identity Theft?

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Imagine someone sneaking into your locker and stealing your homework. They use your name, teacher's name and even your work to get a reward. That's kind of like identity theft. It's when someone steals your personal information, like your name, address, Social Security number, or even your birthday, to do bad things.

• Examples of Bad Things: Opening new accounts in your name, getting loans, applying for jobs and even getting stuff you didn't order.

• Why do people do it? Money is a big motivator. They might want to buy things without paying or to get free services in your name.

The Scary Stats

Identity theft is a big problem… and numbers don't lie.

Global Statistics

• Millions of people worldwide are impacted each year. Scary, right?
• Losses run into billions of dollars. That's a huge amount of money!

US Statistics

• Identity theft cases are increasing year by year. It's important to pay attention.
• Different age groups are affected, but kids and teens are also a target.

Table 1: Types of Identity Theft

Type of Theft	Description	Example
Phishing	Fake emails or websites tricking you into giving away your information.	An email pretending to be your bank asking for your password.
Malware	Harmful software installed on your computer to steal your information.	A computer virus stealing your banking information.
Data Breaches	A big security problem where someone steals huge amounts of information from a company.	A company's database getting hacked.
Pre-texting	Someone pretends to be someone else to trick you into giving them information.	Someone posing as a police officer to get your bank details.
Skimming	Stealing your credit card information by putting a hidden device on a card reader.	A device at an ATM or gas pump copying your card information.

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Protecting Yourself – It's a Superhero Power!

It's important to remember you can protect yourself! This is your superhero power!

Tips for Keeping Your Information Safe

• Strong Passwords: Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. "P@$$wOrd123!" is better than "password".
• Don't Share Personal Information: Be careful about what you share online and with strangers. "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!"
• Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Software updates often include security patches. Keeping things updated is like having a strong defense against intruders!
• Be Wary of Suspicious Emails: Don't open emails or attachments from unknown senders. Think before you click!
• Use a Firewall and Anti-Virus Software: This will help protect your computer from harmful software.

Important Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Who are you giving information to? Do you trust them?
• Where are you giving information? Are you on a safe website?
• Do you really need to share this information? Think before you share!

What to Do if You Think You've Been a Victim

• Report it Immediately: Contact your parents or trusted adults. Don't wait!
• Change Passwords: Change the passwords for any accounts you might have been impacted by.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for any suspicious activity. Look closely for anything that doesn't feel right.

Staying Safe in the Digital World

The internet is like a big town… there are nice people and not-so-nice people. It's your job to know how to stay safe.

Talking with Family & Friends

Talking to your family and friends about online safety is like building a strong wall around your digital castle!

• They can help you understand tricky situations.
• They can be there to support you when you need help.

Learning from Mistakes

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Everyone makes mistakes… it's part of learning! If you've made a mistake sharing information online, don't be too hard on yourself. Just learn from it and be more careful next time.

Final Thoughts

Identity theft is a serious issue… but you can take steps to protect yourself. By learning about the risks and taking precautions, you can be a smart and safe online citizen.

(Remember to always talk to a trusted adult if you have any concerns about identity theft.)