Identity theft is a big issue for teens

Lots of teens get tripped up because they figure they don’t have enough money in their bank account to matter – if someone really wants to steal their $54.13 they should go for it. But this is the wrong way to look at it. I’s not what you have in your account that interests a criminal, it’s how far they can put you in debt.

A criminal is not likely to steal anything from your bank account because it would tip you off. What they’re interested in is getting a $40k loan using your identity. Because you are not likely to be checking your credit history it can be years before you discover that your credit rating is ruined and you owe money; and it’s really hard to fix this years later.

Your money isn’t the only part of your reputation malicious or criminal people may be interested in. Your reputation and photos are other elements of your identity that can be stolen, and trying restore these may be even more difficult than restoring your credit. Learn how to avoid being a victim of Identity theft