Surviving Freshman Year: How to Avoid Identity Theft

Posted Jul 26 2010 by Sheri Stuart in 

According to newly released government figures, freshman college enrollment is on the rise.  This is likely an exciting time for parents and young adults leaving home and living on their own for the first time. Unfortunately, this excitement can quickly come to an end if identity thieves enter the picture. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 18-29-year-olds account for 24% of all identity theft complaints.  The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year.  With the growth of social networking, young adults who share information easily online are especially vulnerable.  Parents can help their college-bound students by reminding them to take precautions to deter identity thieves.  Springboard recommends the following prevention tips for college students of all ages:

  • Don’t carry your social security card with you.  Keep it in a locked safe place.
  • Don’t carry unnecessary information such as PINS, passwords or social security numbers in your backpack or purse.
  • Avoid storing personal information such as PINS, passwords or social security numbers on your laptop.
  • Use a shredder to dispose of documents such as bank statements that may contain personal information.
  • Don’t loan your license or college identification card to anyone.
  • Don’t register while visiting websites or participate in phone surveys, marketing surveys, or contests (e.g. the car drawing at the mall).  Once a company buys a list with your information you will become a target of their marketing campaign, and this creates one more source for identity thieves to find and appropriate your personal information.

Springboard’s book, ID Theft: Protecting and Restoring Your Good Name, is available for free download.

Photo: michaelcardus

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About the Author

Sheri StuartSheri Stuart is a dedicated financial educator and experienced communications specialist and her public awareness initiatives of writing and submitting money management articles, consumer tips, and press releases have developed a communications program and activities that provide consumers access to quality financial education information. Learn more about Sheri.View all posts by Sheri Stuart →

  • http://Bkhelp.org Jose Sanchez

    Here are some additional tips that maybe helpful

    Top 10 Ways to Avoid Identity Theft (personal)

    1.Keep your Social Security card in a secure place and give out the number only when necessary. Ask to use other identifiers whenever possible.

    2.Guard your purse or wallet. Never put either one down unless your hand is connected to it.

    3.Limit the number of checks and debit / credit cards you carry to only what you will actually need.

    4.Check credit card and bank statements carefully for unauthorized charges.

    5.Close credit card accounts you don't use on a regular basis.

    6.Shred all documents containing personal information — especially pre-approved credit card offers — with a cross-cut shredder.

    7.Before revealing any identifying information, ask how it will be used and secured, and whether it will be shared with others.

    8.Order copies of your free credit reports from the three credit bureaus at least once a year and check them carefully for accuracy. (See numbers below)

    9.Place passwords on credit card, bank and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information such as mother's maiden name, birth date, phone number, etc. Instead use an eight-character combination of letters and numbers.

    10.Use a locked mailbox or a post office box to send/receive mail.

    Important numbers:

    Credit bureaus:

    Equifax 1-800 525-6285

    Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195

    Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

    annualcreditreport.com

    Social Security Administration also has a fraud line:

    1-800-269-0271

  • http://Bkhelp.org Jose Sanchez

    Here is some additional tips that maybe helpful.

    Top 10 Ways to Avoid Identity Theft (personal)

    1.Keep your Social Security card in a secure place and give out the number only when necessary. Ask to use other identifiers whenever possible.

    2.Guard your purse or wallet. Never put either one down unless your hand is connected to it.

    3.Limit the number of checks and debit / credit cards you carry to only what you will actually need.

    4.Check credit card and bank statements carefully for unauthorized charges.

    5.Close credit card accounts you don't use on a regular basis.

    6.Shred all documents containing personal information — especially pre-approved credit card offers — with a cross-cut shredder.

    7.Before revealing any identifying information, ask how it will be used and secured, and whether it will be shared with others.

    8.Order copies of your free credit reports from the three credit bureaus at least once a year and check them carefully for accuracy. (See numbers below)

    9.Place passwords on credit card, bank and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information such as mother's maiden name, birth date, phone number, etc. Instead use an eight-character combination of letters and numbers.

    10.Use a locked mailbox or a post office box to send/receive mail.

    Important numbers:

    Credit bureaus:

    Equifax 1-800 525-6285

    Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195

    Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

    annualcreditreport.com

    Social Security Administration also has a fraud line:

    1-800-269-0271

  • Claudia Orozco

    Another way is by placing an ALERT ON YOUR CREDIT you should also add your phone number that way if someone is trying to open an account with your information you will receive a phone call before they can approve.

  • Lanise Broussard

    I think this article is very useful for teens and college students, especially about not carrying your PIN and SSN in your wallet or purse, this would prevent ID thief from occurring.

  • Lizette Teodoro

    This is a great one cause college kids tend to trust everyone. They really don't look out for themselves and leave stuff lying around. I agree with Caludia as far as having an alert put on your credit and even debt cards and bank accounts. Meaning that if there are any unauthorize activity on the account at a certain amount it should put up a red flag. I have it on my bank accounts and it really does help especially when your balance goes to a certain amount it tells you so you don't over draft.

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