Identity
Theft
Part of the college experience is about
building new and lasting friendships. Living on campus is a big part of that, but even if you absolutely,
totally
adore your roommate, know that sharing a room does
not mean having to share building keys, access codes and PIN
numbers! Identity theft can affect anyone,
including college students.
What
is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information
for their gain. Thieves can use your Social Security number
or driver’s license to get
fraudulent credit cards, take out student loans and run up debt in YOUR name! It is important to be knowledgeable when giving out any personal information
or disposing of items that contain personal information.
Unless it is absolutely
necessary, don’t give out your:
- Social Security number
- Student identification number
- State identification number
- Driver’s license number
Ways to Protect Your Identity
- Buy a cross-cut shredder. Place it near the recycling
trash recepticle or in the area where you open your mail.
- Shred pre-approved credit offers before putting them in the
trash.
- Shred convenience checks or balance forward checks from credit
card companies before putting them in the trash.
- Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
- Don’t have your Social Security or driver’s license
numbers printed on your personal checks.
- Don’t use your Social Security or driver’s license
numbers to mark items that could be targeted for theft (i.e.,
laptop computer, bike, etc.).
- Don’t store your Social Security or driver’s
license numbers, pin numbers or personal identification numbers
on your laptop (which could be stolen).
- Watch your surroundings for people who may be listening when
you give out personal information (i.e., when reciting your
account number to a teller at the bank).
You Have a Right to Ask Questions
If
someone asks for your Social Security number, ask them:
- Why do you need my Social Security number?
- How will my Social Security number be used?
- How do you protect my Social Security number from being stolen?
- What will happen if I don’t give you my Social Security number?
If you don’t provide your Social Security number,
some businesses may not provide you with the service or benefit
you want. Getting
satisfactory answers to these questions will help you decide
whether you want to share your Social Security number with the
business. The decision to share is yours. For more tips on minimizing
your risk for identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission
Web site at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
consumers/deter.html. This link will open in a new window.
|
Make a complete list of your credit cards, credit-card
numbers and toll-free numbers to call the credit card companies,
in case
your cards are
stolen or lost. Keep this list in a secure location...not in
your wallet next to your credit cards!
|
