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College Students ID Theft Targets
Jason Lee Miller
Staff Writer
2006-08-28
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The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) is warning college students that credit card companies aren't the only ones looking to take advantage of post-adolescent ignorance and irresponsibility. They should also be on the look out for identity thieves on campus.
Young adults between the ages of 18-29 , says NCPC, are reportedly the most victimized by identify theft.
"Many colleges are wising up to identity theft by removing social security numbers from student IDs but there are other potential dangers like pre-approved credit applications," said Michelle Boykins, Director of Communications at NCPC.
NCPC recommends that students shred pre-approved credit applications and take other precautions to reduce their risk of becoming the next identity theft victim. The council has issued a list of prevention tools and a guide for victims:
Preventing Identity Theft
· Remove your Social Security number from personal checks, driver's license, and school identification cards. Securely store your SSN card in a place other than your wallet.
· Never give out your personal information over the phone or Internet unless you have initiated the contact. Be careful of information you list on social networking sites that can lead a thief to your personal information. "Phishing" is also a popular scam where identity thieves pose as a bank or credit card company asking you to "verify" your account information through a false email. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.
· Use only secure websites for Internet transactions, and always check the web address in your browser's window to make sure you are on the correct site for the business before you give out personal information; many crooks set up sham sites that look like the real thing.
· Retrieve mail from your mailbox promptly. Thieves can "shop" mailboxes for information that help them assume your identity.
· Properly dispose of documents with financial information. Shred pre-approved applications, bank statements, phone bills, credit card receipts, and mail-order catalogs that hold valuable information tied to your identity.
· Check your credit report once a year with the three major credit bureaus. Check immediately if you think something unusual is going on with your accounts. You can get a copy of your credit report for free at www.annualcreditreport.com .
What to do if You're a Victim
· Report suspicious activity right away. Alert any one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to the possible fraud and close the account you suspect is compromised.
· File a police report. You may need to provide proof as you try to recover from the incident.
· File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft .
· Request a fraud alert through one of the three major credit bureaus. A fraud alert will mean no one can open an account or view your credit history without your permission and verifying your identity.
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About the Author:
Jason is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. He covers business, technology, and security issues.
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