- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AwarenessChildrenSafety
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September 1
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧒
National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day is observed every September 1 to shine a light on the alarming reality of child identity theft. With millions of children vulnerable to this crime, the day serves as a vital reminder for parents and guardians to take proactive steps. Empower yourself with knowledge, secure your child’s personal data, and advocate for stronger protections.
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Expected National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day Deals
For National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day, expect a focus on educational resources and community outreach rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Identity Theft Resource Center and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children often provide free webinars and downloadable guides on prevention. Financial institutions and credit bureaus, such as Experian, may offer free credit monitoring for minors or guides on freezing a child’s credit. Look for local law enforcement agencies and community centers to host workshops on online safety and data protection. Major retailers might partner with child safety non-profits for donation-matching programs or awareness campaigns. We encourage you to visit the official websites of these organizations for the most up-to-date information on how to protect children from identity theft.
Platform Guide for National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ChildIdentityTheftAwareness. Share infographics on prevention tips or personal stories (with permission) about safeguarding children’s data.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #ChildIdentityTheftAwareness. Join conversations about data privacy, share news articles on child protection, and retweet expert advice.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ChildIdentityTheftAwareness. Post educational videos for parents, host a Q&A session with a child safety expert, or share resources from reputable organizations.
National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day Hero
Paige Hanson
History of National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day
Identity theft occurs when a perpetrator steals someone’s personal information to commit crimes, such as stealing credit card information, impersonating them to access their data, using phone services, misusing licenses, and more. Initially, people thought that only adults could have their identities stolen. However, it was later discovered that criminals were also targeting children because all their information is available on the web. This resulted in the establishment of several organizations and bureaus worldwide that defend against identity theft. Their main objective is regulating information processing and sharing information to protect people from these criminals.
In 2018, Experian, an information services company, established National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day. The organization was previously part of the Credit Data Corporation, and in 1964, it was taken over by Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Inc (T.R.W.), which then renamed the company TRW Information Systems and Services Inc. In 2017, Experian bought Clarity Services and became a multinational consumer credit reporting company. Since then, it has used its advanced analytical systems to protect consumer privacy.
They selected September 1 for National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day because it’s the start of new school semesters, making it the perfect time to educate parents about identity theft and how to protect themselves and their children.
National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day timeline
The term “identity theft” is coined.
Cases of identity theft among child victims increase.
Experian buys Clarity Services and becomes a consumer credit reporting company.
Experian creates National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day to educate people about Child Identity Theft Identity.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day
Local businesses can honor National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day by hosting community workshops on cybersecurity and data privacy for parents. Financial advisors might offer free consultations on securing family finances and protecting children’s credit. Pediatric offices or family-focused retailers could distribute educational brochures from reputable organizations like the Identity Theft Resource Center. Consider partnering with local schools to provide age-appropriate lessons on online safety and the importance of not sharing personal information. Offering secure document shredding services on this day is another practical way for businesses to support the cause and engage the community.
National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day FAQs
When is National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day?
National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, September 1, urging parents to prioritize their children’s digital safety. It’s a crucial reminder to check for vulnerabilities.
How many children are affected by identity theft?
According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, an estimated 1.3 million children were victims of identity theft in 2022. This highlights the widespread nature of the problem, affecting a significant portion of the youth population.
What makes children vulnerable to identity theft?
Children are particularly vulnerable because they often have clean credit records and their Social Security numbers may not be actively monitored. This ‘clean slate’ makes their identities attractive to criminals for long-term fraud.
What steps can parents take to protect their children from identity theft?
Parents should consider freezing their child’s credit, shredding documents with personal information, and regularly monitoring financial statements. Educating children about online safety and privacy is also crucial.
How to Observe National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day
Raise awareness
Engage in community discussions about the steps you can take to prevent identity theft. Learn about the various ways to protect your data.
Spread the word
Let everyone know about this day’s importance. Write articles on the importance of child identity theft awareness and post them on social media. Use the hashtag #StopChildIDTheft so that readers can find them.
Expand your knowledge
This is also a day of learning. The more you know, the better prepared you can be. Learn about phishing attacks and other ways criminals access your personal information. Join #CreditChat, organized by Experian, for workshops and discussions.
5 Facts About Identity Theft That Will Blow Your Mind
It costs a lot of money
In 2020, about $47 billion was lost to identity theft in the United States.
Cases are rising rapidly
A person falls victim to identity theft approximately every 14 seconds.
It can happen through social media
People who are active on social media are 30% more likely to fall victim to identity theft.
It can happen to children
Data shows that there have been over 1.3 million child victims of identity theft.
Scammers access government documents
Most identity theft perpetrators access government documents to commit tax and utility fraud.
Why National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day is Important
It is a reminder to keep our children safe
Cases of identity theft targeting children are more common than ever. Children are easy targets for criminals because they unknowingly divulge sensitive information online. As such, National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day is a day for educating our children.
We get to do something for the community
This day gives us a chance to discuss important things with our friends, family, and community. We grow stronger as a society, in turn making the nation stronger.
We expand our knowledge
It allows us to learn about identity theft awareness: how to tackle it, prevent it, and the different ways criminals try to access our information, e.t.c. It helps us be more prepared.
National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 1 | Sunday |
Social Media Tips for National Child Identity Theft Awareness Day
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