Girl Scout leader runs an identity theft scam on the young and innocent.

It's a sad day when you can't even trust a Girl Scout leader not to run an identity theft scam.

The AP recently reported that a Florida woman, Holly M. Barnes, ran a scam designed to obtain personal information including the social security numbers of the young girls that were trusted in her care as troop leader.

She had the parents of these 8-12 year-olds provide their social security numbers on fake medical releases. Once she had the information, she went on to file false IRS claims which netted her payments of more than $87,000.

Now she faces 19 counts of filing false IRS claims. Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. She also faces 15 counts of identity theft with each count carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She won't be out selling Girl Scout cookies anytime soon.

If you suspect that your child's social security number has ever been compromised, you can order a credit report from one of the major three credit reporting agencies.

Visit ITPME's Recovery Page to obtain address and contact information for the credit reporting agencies. Be aware however, if your child is a minor, you may be asked to send in copies of your driver license and social security card before information is released to you.

Additionally, you may also want to check with the Social Security Administration. Their contact information can be found on ITPME's Recovery page as well.

Leave IDENTITY THEFT SCAM and return to ITPME's main Blog page.