By Thieves target new form of identity theft
Montgomery, AL – - The latest form of identity theft
doesn't depend on stealing your Social Security number. Now thieves
are targeting your kid's number long before the little one even has
a bank account.
Hundreds of online businesses are using computers to find
dormant Social Security numbers - usually those assigned to
children who don't use them - then selling those numbers to help
people establish phony credit and run up huge debts they will never
pay off.
Authorities say the scheme could pose a new threat to the
nation's credit system.
The sellers get around the law by not referring to Social
Security numbers. Instead, just as someone might pay for an escort
service instead of a prostitute, they refer to CPNs - for credit
profile, credit protection or credit privacy numbers.