August 13, 2008
How Is Pretexting Dangerous in Matters Related to Child Care and Protection?
Pretexting is a criminal act where the perpetrator obtains confidential client information from telephone companies by impersonation or false pretenses. Pretexters acquire important information about a person like his bank accounts and credit card details.
Over the years, pretexting has become so widespread that pretexting scammers can now steal a person’s medical records and school records like a student’s class schedule. They may even steal your child’s dental records!
Children have the right to enjoy a life of freedom. They should be free to go to places they want to; free to choose which schools to go to; free to roam around the park on a Saturday afternoon. What happens if one of these rights is violated? What happens if pretexters pretending to be good people obtain personal information that can endanger the life of your child?
Pretexters can sell your personal information, including that of your child’s, to private investigators who might be working on a child custody or divorce case. If the child is a victim of physical abuse, he can be tracked down by the enemy. If the pretexter is able to get details of the child’s class schedule, the information may be passed on to a person or a group planning to kidnap him, or to steal his identity. If this happens, your child will not be safe anymore. He won’t be able to go to the park on Saturdays and might not even be able to ride his bike on the way to school.
The best way to protect your children is to avoid divulging confidential personal information to people you haven’t met personally. Explain the matter to your child as well, and ask him to be extra careful in dealing with strangers, too.
Comments Off