Newsroom@DominionPost.com
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey warned consumers to watch for identity theft, particularly after children receive digital devices for the holidays.
Many children may have received new electronics as holiday gifts. These gadgets provide broad access to the internet, which means every smartphone, tablet and gaming device poses an increased risk of identity theft by way of malicious apps and social networks.
Parents and guardians may want to sit down with children and discuss the online dangers of talking to strangers and giving out personal information.
The attorney general’s office offers these tips:
- Monitor social media use, even if children object.
- Lay down ground rules as a protective measure.
- Warn children that private information should not be shared.
- Caution children against downloading games or apps from third-party sites. It is also a good idea to have an adult approve any downloads.
- Maintain strict privacy settings on Facebook and other social networks.
Anyone who believes his or her child has been the victim of identity theft, contact 1-800-368-8808 or www.wvago.gov.
