Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

You've probably heard or read about "identity theft," which happens when someone learns enough private information about another person to be able to withdraw money from a bank account or obtain a new credit card in that other person's name and use it for purchases that will not be paid for. But did you know that adults aren't the only people whose identity is being used by ID thieves?

Crooks target young people like you even though you may be too young to have a checking account or credit card on your own. They can use your name, address and Social Security Number to open accounts.

While we don't want to scare you, we do want to help you protect yourself and your family from ID theft.

In the typical phishing scam, you receive an e-mail supposedly from a company you may do business with or even from a government agency. The e-mail describes a reason you must "resubmit" bank account numbers or other personal information. If you follow their instructions, the thieves hiding behind what you think is a legitimate Web site or e-mail can use the information to withdraw or spend money in your name.

"Identity thieves are very good at pretending to be legitimate business people and government officials so they can convince others to share personal information or even send money," said Michael Benardo, manager of the FDIC's financial crimes section.

That's why you should never provide personal information in response to a phone call, e-mail or a pop-up ad on the Web, no matter how official it may appear to be.