November 25, 2025

What is IDshield? And how will it protect me?

We want you to picture this: You’re planning the dream wedding, building your career, raising your kids… everything seems under control. But deep underneath, hackers are working overtime. And they’re targeting you! Because when it comes to identity theft, the person you need to worry about isn’t just you, it’s your kids, your future, your legacy.

The very alarming truth

Identity theft is huge in the U.S. According to Insurance Information Institute, in 2024 there were over 6.47 million reports of fraud and identity theft via the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network. III+1
Losses are massive. For example, the FBI Internet Crime Report shows more than $16.6 billion in losses in 2024. III+1
Children are especially vulnerable. A study by Javelin Strategy & Research found that about 1 in every 50 children in the U.S. becomes a victim of identity fraud each year. SafeHome.org+2Javelin Strategy+2
Children under the age of 7 are among the highest risk. LifeLock+1
Synthetic identity theft (the use of a child’s Social Security Number to build a fake identity) is one of the fastest-growing financial crimes. Forbes+1

Local Wake-Up Call: Missouri & Kansas

In Kansas, a study found it had the second highest number of identity theft reports per 100,000 residents in 2021 (1,355) – just behind Rhode Island. https://www.wibw.com
In Missouri, while it ranks more moderately (32nd most vulnerable in a 2024 WalletHub study) it still shows that the risk is real. News/ Talk KRMS
For Missouri specifically: in 2022 the state ranked 22nd in number of victims with reported losses around $118 million. IDStrong

The bottom line: If you live in Missouri or Kansas (or serve clients there), the risk isn’t theoretical, it’s happening locally.

Why kids are especially at risk

Long undetected windows: A child’s identity may be stolen at age 5 and not discovered until they apply for a student loan at 18. Office of Justice Programs+1
No credit history = perfect target: Thieves exploit the fact that children haven’t been checked yet. LifeLock
Social media, oversharing & “sharenting”: Kids’ photos and data, birthdays, full names, places—are on social media, giving scammers a treasure trove. Internet Matters
Synthetic identity creation: Using a child’s SSN + other data, criminals can open accounts, get benefits, build fake credit lines. Forbes+1

The scary scenario you might not imagine

Imagine your 6-year-old’s Social Security number quietly taken, used to open a credit file. The theft stays hidden while the child grows. At age 18 they apply for college or a loan and are suddenly hit with a “bad credit history” they never knew existed. You might shrug “my kid only plays Roblox and posts on Instagram.” But guess what? Hackers may have used that name + image + SSN to open bank accounts, take out a lease, or commit fraud. That’s why the headline “Hackers Don’t Wait , Why Should You?” isn’t just dramatic, it’s real.

What you should do right now

Freeze your child’s credit file (if available) or set alerts. It costs nothing and blocks any new accounts from being opened in their name.
Monitor and protect every device + social account your family uses. Not just bank accounts, but social profiles, email, apps. Kids are on devices all day, and hackers know it.
Be rigorous about sharing: Don’t post full names, birthdays, SSNs, or other identifiers of your children on social media.
Choose a comprehensive protection plan: something that goes beyond “just alerts”. It should monitor dark web, device risks, account takeover, social exposure, and provide expert help when the worst happens.
Teach kids early: Have open conversations about what personal info should never be shared, even with friends.

How ID Shield (via LegalShield) makes the difference

Here’s why a service like ID Shield (through LegalShield) isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s smart, proactive defense:

24/7 monitoring across credit, finances, dark web, so you’re not just reacting when a bill shows up.
Hands-on support from licensed private investigators if identity theft does happen.
Coverage of up to $3 million in identity-fraud restoration / eligible costs (depending on plan).
Device, social, and online account protection: your bank, your child’s social profile, your family’s devices.
Owned by LegalShield, meaning legal advice is baked in, if your identity is compromised you don’t just get alerts, you get real guidance.
Transparent pricing you saw on the screenshots (starting ~$14.95/mo for individual) – affordable peace of mind.

Don’t wait. The longer you wait, the bigger the window for someone to act without detection. Sign up for ID Shield today and give yourself, your spouse, and your children an armour-plated foundation for the digital age. Protect your legacy, preserve your future.
Click here (link) to get started with ID Shield and make identity protection part of your family’s plan, just like you protect your weddings, your brand, your adventures.

A few funny but real-world moments

“Your kid is never too young to have a credit freeze. Yes, even before they pick out their Kindergarten backpack.”
“Hackers are basically the uninvited wedding guest who shows up, eats your cake, then leaves you with the bill. Except in this case the guest stole your child’s identity. Not fun.”
“Think of it like this: You lock your wedding venue, you insure your photography gear, you send thank-you notes … why would you not lock down your digital identity? The cakes and confetti are optional; identity theft is not.”

See our plans below