FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government Posted on September 4, 2026
Protecting Your Teen’s Financial Future: Start the Conversation Early
Back-to-school season is about more than schedules, supplies, and getting everyone out the door on time. It’s also a great opportunity to talk with teens about something that can impact their financial future: credit and identity theft.
As teens become more independent, they may begin using debit cards, shopping online, applying for jobs, managing their own accounts, or eventually applying for credit. With that independence comes the importance of knowing how to protect personal and financial information.
Identity Theft Can Affect Teens, Too
It’s easy to think identity theft is only something adults need to worry about, but a young person’s personal information can also be valuable to scammers.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, children under 18 generally should not have a credit report. If one exists, it could potentially be a warning sign that someone has used their information.
That makes now a great time to start the conversation.
Teach Teens These Simple Habits
Protect personal information.
Social Security numbers, account information, passwords, PINs, and verification codes should never be casually shared.
Think before clicking.
Teach teens to be cautious with unexpected texts, emails, social media messages, and links asking them to log in or provide personal information.
Use strong, unique passwords.
Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts and turn on multi-factor authentication when available.
Talk about credit early.
Help teens understand what a credit report is, why their credit history matters, and how their financial decisions can impact future opportunities.
Check credit reports.
The FTC recommends regularly reviewing credit reports for accuracy. Free credit reports are available through AnnualCreditReport.com.
What If You Find Something Suspicious?
If you believe someone has used your or your child’s information without permission, don’t ignore it.
Document what you find, contact the appropriate financial institutions or companies, and visit IdentityTheft.gov for steps to report identity theft and create a recovery plan.
The sooner suspicious activity is addressed, the better.
Get More Protection With Your Checking Account
Protecting your financial life isn’t something you have to think about only after fraud happens.
With a Get More™ Checking account from Citizens State Bank, customers have access to ID Theft Aid that includes services such as:
It’s another way Get More™ Checking provides value beyond everyday banking.
Already have Get More™ Checking? Make sure you’ve activated the identity and credit monitoring available to you.
Not a Get More™ customer? Contact your local Citizens State Bank office to learn how you can Get More™ from your checking account.
Start the Conversation Today
Teaching teens how to recognize scams, protect their information, and understand credit can help them build smarter financial habits for the future.
A few conversations today can help prepare them to make more confident financial decisions tomorrow.
Learn more about Get More™ Checking and ID Theft Aid at Citizens State Bank.
Identity theft benefits are subject to terms, conditions, eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions. Insurance products are not a deposit, not FDIC-insured, not insured by any federal government agency, and not guaranteed by the bank. Identity and credit monitoring require additional activation to begin.
