The Federal Trade Commission has launched a new Web site to help students in fifth through eighth grades recognize scams, identity theft, and advertising gimmicks. You Are Here features a virtual shopping mall where children can play games, design ads, and chat with customers and store owners. There’s also a section where they can learn about business competition, supply and demand, mergers and monopolies, and the history of the FTC.

According to the not-for-profit Identity Theft Resource Center, children themselves can be the subject of identity theft, typically when their Social Security numbers are used by strangers. For more information on how to deal with such a crime, check the ITRC's fact sheet on Identity Theft and Children. And check Consumer Reports Money Adviser for more on protecting yourself against identity theft.