PROJECT: SHARENTING - YOUR NEWBORN’S IDENTITY CAN BE STOLEN BEFORE THEY CAN WALK
- Feb 26
- 5 min read
PLEASE SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide.
Research consistently shows that millions of children globally become victims of identity fraud each year,
often without their families knowing until years later.
Criminals specifically target minors because their identities are “clean” —
with no credit history and no financial record — making them ideal for fraud.
In South Africa, cybercrime and identity-related fraud continue to increase annually,
with criminals actively harvesting personal information from social media platforms.
What many parents do not realise is that a simple baby birth announcement can provide criminals
with everything they need to begin building a fraudulent identity profile.
The modern trend of posting newborn photos, full names, dates of birth, hospital locations
and even ID numbers on social media may appear harmless.
However, from a crime prevention perspective, this is a serious security vulnerability.
THE CRIME ELEMENT:
Criminal syndicates and opportunistic fraudsters actively scan public social media profiles.
They collect personal identifiers such as:
Full names.
Exact date of birth.
Place of birth.
Parents’ names.
Residential area.
Photographs.
This information is then compiled to create synthetic identities or used to commit identity fraud. In many cases, criminals use a child’s identity to open bank accounts, apply for credit, register SIM cards, or commit further crimes under that identity.
Because children do not apply for credit, fraud can go undetected for 10 to 18 years.
The crime is often only discovered when the child becomes an adult and attempts to apply for student loans, vehicle finance, or employment background checks — only to discover a damaged credit record or outstanding debt.
This is not hypothetical.
International investigations have shown that child identity theft is highly profitable for organised cybercrime groups because detection is delayed and prosecution is difficult.
HOW CRIMINALS EXPLOIT SOCIAL MEDIA:
Public social media platforms are searchable. Hashtags such as “newborn,” “birth announcement,” and similar tags make it easier for criminals to locate vulnerable targets.
Even when accounts are set to private, screenshots and shared posts can spread personal information beyond the intended audience.
Additionally, photographs may contain hidden metadata, including location details.
When combined with publicly available information, criminals can build comprehensive identity profiles.
This practice of oversharing personal information about children online creates a permanent digital footprint that cannot easily be erased.
LEGAL CONSEQUENCES:
In South Africa, identity theft and fraud fall under serious criminal offences. Offenders can be charged under legislation such as:
The Cybercrimes Act.
The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Common law fraud statutes.
Convictions for fraud can result in substantial fines and lengthy imprisonment.
Depending on the value involved and the scope of the criminal operation, sentences can extend to many years behind bars.
However, while legal consequences exist, the damage to the victim often remains long after the criminal is sentenced.
Credit records must be repaired, financial institutions engaged, and legal processes followed — a lengthy and stressful ordeal for families.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:
From a security standpoint, parents are strongly advised to:
Avoid posting a child’s full name and exact date of birth online.
Refrain from sharing hospital details or ID numbers.
Restrict social media privacy settings to the highest level.
Share birth announcements privately through secure messaging platforms.
Regularly monitor for suspicious activity linked to personal information.
Information control is the first line of defence against identity-related crime.
If you suspect that your child’s identity has been compromised, or if you have already detected
fraudulent activity linked to a minor, immediate professional intervention is critical.
Early investigation can prevent further financial and reputational damage.
Victims or concerned parents are urged to contact Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services.
Mr. Bolhuis and his elite, experienced Specialist Investigators have extensive expertise in fraud investigation,
cybercrime analysis and victim assistance.
Early reporting significantly improves the chances of successful intervention and recovery.
Protect your child’s future. Prevention today prevents crisis tomorrow.
RELEVANT SSS PROJECTS:
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
Add us to your address book
THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.