{"id":68382,"date":"2026-03-05T09:13:23","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T15:13:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/?p=68382"},"modified":"2026-03-05T09:13:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T15:13:24","slug":"why-cybercriminals-are-targeting-your-childs-social-security-number","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/why-cybercriminals-are-targeting-your-childs-social-security-number\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Cybercriminals Are Targeting Your Child\u2019s Social Security Number"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When we think about keeping our kids safe online, we usually focus on screen time limits, blocking inappropriate content, and preventing cyberbullying. But there is a silent, financially devastating threat that often slips right under the radar: child identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a common misconception that identity thieves only target adults with high credit limits and healthy bank accounts. In reality, cybercriminals are increasingly shifting their focus to children. According to industry research, nearly 1 in 50 children fall victim to identity fraud each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But why would a hacker want the Social Security Number (SSN) of a seven-year-old?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer is simple: It\u2019s a blank slate.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Cybercriminals Love a Child\u2019s SSN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To an identity thief, a child\u2019s SSN is incredibly valuable because it comes with zero baggage. Here is why kids make the perfect targets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n