(October 11, 2012)--According to a new study published by Carnegie Mellon University Cylab, children are 51 times more likely than adults to be targeted by identity thieves.

The study indicated that identity thieves are targeting young children and using their unused Social Security numbers to steal their identity.

According to the Better Business Bureau, thieves attach another name to the Social Security number to open credit card accounts and secure auto loans or home mortgages.

Most children do not typically use their number until heading into high school or college, the BBB said.

The Better Business Bureau advises that parents help keep identity fraud from happening by safeguarding the child’s personal information, monitoring your child’s credit report, keeping anti-virus software updated and safely disposing of personal documents.