Identity theft risks for your children
Children are often the most precious aspect of our lives and a newborn can bring a lot of joy to a household. However, there is a risk that your baby and other youngsters could become a victim of identity theft as they surpass milestones in their lives.
Protecting a birth certificate
The increased risk of this crime starts with the creation of this vital document. According to the Australian Passport Office, this is a common method through which passports are falsified and can cause problems for other applications further down the track.1
For this reason, it is vital that the original document is kept as safe as possible. The application process in Australia varies from state to state, but it is most safest to apply in person at a registry office in the state of your child's birth.2
The process will require both parents to submit ID documents, so it is important to put aside a time to ensure the safe transportation of the documents. This must be done within 60 days of your child's birth. If you are unable to get to the appropriate office, you can send a solicitor with the application form, provided they have a letter-headed form signed by you and a relevant Law Society ID Card or Practising Certificate.3
Once the document is complete, keep it locked in a fireproof box with all your other vital documents. If you need to make a copy for any other application, ensure these are delivered personally and any spare copies are destroyed.
Introducing children to the internet
With the rise of the internet, it is easier for older children to unknowingly give away critical personal information. As a parent, it is important to make sure that children understand what they can and can't say about themselves online. The Office of the Children's eSafety Commissioner warns that exposing any of the following information can lead to identity theft:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone numbers
- School
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Username and password
- Bank details4
Help your child remember this through a "green light, red light" system. This involves both parent and child creating cards together that help make clear what is fine to say online and what is a risky behaviour.
Encourage your child to come to you if they are unsure and you can add to the green light or red light list as individual issues arise. This is a fun and effective way to engage with your child on safe web behaviour while giving you more peace of mind when allowing your children online.
1 Passport fraud, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Accessed August 2015.
2 Births, deaths and Marriages Registries, Australian Government. Accessed August 2015.
3 Birth certificate, NSW Government Justice Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages. Accessed August 2015.
4 Protecting Personal Information, Office of the Children's eSafety Commissioner. Accessed August 2015.