Why freeze your childs credit and how to do it NBC Bay Area [Video]

Child identity fraud is no joking matter.

One in 43 kids will have their personal information exposed, according to Javelin. It can impact your child’s life for years to come, from having poor credit scores to financial aid being withheld and employment being denied. In some instances, families aren’t even aware of the theft until their child tries to buy their first car or apply for federal student aid.

Children are especially vulnerable to identity theft because those under the age of 18 typically do not have credit reports. This gives thieves a blank slate to apply for government benefits, open a bank account, apply for loans, sign up for utility services or even rent a place to live, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Kids active on social media are at the greatest risk, and the prevalence of these apps is only increasing as the average age of its users decreases.

And it’s an expensive crimeto combat. …