Identity Theft

Unfortunately, identity theft is an equal opportunity threat, and college students are not immune.

Considered a state and federal crime, identity theft occurs when someone’s personal information (name, Social Security number, bank account number, etc.) is used without their knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cause financial and reputational damage, and it can be costly—in time and money—to clean up the damage. When providing personal information online, such as when applying for financial aid, seeking a job or searching for off-campus housing, it is important to take steps to protect yourself.  

  • Lost personal items—You misplace or lose your wallet, or purse or phone and it falls into the hands of someone with criminal intent. 
  • Skimming—Your credit/debit card number or PIN is stolen when an illegal device installed on an ATM, point-of-sale (POS) terminal or fuel pump captures your information.
  • Phishing—A scammer pretends to represent a financial institution or company and sends spam or a pop-up message to get you to reveal personal information. 
  • Changing your address—Your billing statements are sent to another location when a fraudulent “change of address” form is submitted. 
  • "Old-fashioned" stealing—Thieves steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; preapproved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers or bribe employees who have access. 
  • Dumpster diving—Bills or other documents with personal information are plucked out of your trash. 

While nothing can guarantee that you won't become a victim of identity theft, you can minimize your risk and the damage by making it more difficult for identity thieves to access your personal information.

Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself: 

  • Utilize multi-factor authentication to protect account information whenever possible
  • Don’t put outgoing mail in the mailbox with the flag up or leave in an open unsecured area
  • Don’t provide personal information to strangers over the phone
  • Don't share computer login information with anyone you don't trust
  • Make copies of everything in your wallet or purse and put it in a handy place
  • Don’t respond to emails asking you to verify account information
  • Don’t respond to emails asking you to provide account information
  • Don’t give personal information over the phone to charity solicitors
  • Check your credit report periodically and look for new credit or inquiries
  • Don’t leave a paper trail when using an ATM, credit card or gas card 

If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence. 

  • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review your credit reports 
  • Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently 
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
  • File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place

What should I shred? 

  • "Dumpster diving" is a popular pastime of identity thieves as it presents many opportunities to find information that can be worth a lot of money. Shred all paperwork that has an account number (bank statements, credit card statements and receipts, utility bills, etc.) a signature, your Social Security number (such as on medical or legal information), pre-approved credit card offers. 

How can I protect my information? 

  • Never give out your personal information over the phone, unless you initiated the call and trust the caller 
  • Protect your Social Security number—this is not a number just anyone can have if they ask, always ask why companies or people might want your Social Security number. And, always question the identity of people, and companies that initiate contact with you. 

How can I track potential fraud?  

  • Order your Social Security earnings and benefit statements once a year to check for fraud. Reconcile all bank and credit card accounts immediately when you receive them. Challenge all unauthorized transactions immediately. Also, keep a photocopy of all credit cards (front and back). 

Are there simple steps I can take?  

  • Do not carry your extra credit card or important identity documents in your purse or wallet unless it is necessary. Never leave your wallet or purse unattended. Always make sure that if you are making a transaction from a computer or mobile device that it is a secure site. Never write down PIN numbers. Instead, memorize them. If you need to write them down, place them in a secure place other than a wallet or purse. Be aware of "shoulder surfers" when you are using your credit card or ATM card. Whenever possible, keep your card in sight during a transaction. 

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