Add identity theft to the long list of things parents should discuss and educate their teens about, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland says. Parents should teach their children to question anyone who asks for their Social Security number, credit card number or other personal data. Parents should:

Question schools, athletic teams and pediatric offices on why they routinely ask for Social Security numbers. If you don't like the answer, don't give them the information.

Not carry your child's Social Security card in your wallets or allow your kids to do so.

Discuss with your teen how to safeguard checks and account numbers when they open bank accounts or apply for credit cards.

Limit the copies of your child's birth certificate that you give out.

Talk to your kids about why they should not give out personal data in response to phone calls or e-mail from unknown individuals or businesses.

Teach your teens to protect their ATM and credit cards when they go out, and never leave paperwork with personal data lying around for prying eyes, especially if your teen is heading off to college.

Check your child's credit report annually for unauthorized accounts and requests for credit.

'

For tips and general advice on how to prevent being victimized by identity theft, visit www.bbb.org.