Attending college opens students up to many new concerns. One concern that should be at the top of their list is privacy and security. Being surrounded by so many new people raises concerns for physical safety and personal privacy. This article address college students and identity theft and how individuals could be at risk.
Technology
Almost all college students go to school with a personal computer and smartphone. Protecting these devices means safeguarding all the information they store. ITRC strongly recommends installing and keeping up to date with, security software. You should follow the best practices when it comes to Wi-Fi security and mobile applications.
You should also keep your tech devices in a safe location at all times if they are not on your person. Consider the people who will have access to your device in public spaces. Do not leave your laptop or cell phone vulnerable to the public in the library or dorm bathrooms, and remember to password protect your devices in case they fall into the wrong hands.
If you are using a friend’s device or renting one from the library, make sure to log out of all your accounts before returning the device. Do not save any usernames or passwords when logging into accounts as the next user could use those to hack your information.
Finances
Avoid signing up for finance deals that seem too good to be true, they probably are. Signing up or giving your information out at a booth on campus opens up your identity for stealing. It could also put your credit at risk.
ITRC recommends using a credit card instead of a debit card for purchases. While debit cards have their benefits, including minimizing debt risks, credit cards often have more safety policies in place. If your information is stolen, many credit card companies have policies to refund losses from fraud.
Financial scams are also popular amongst college students. Whether it be fake scholarships, lottery prizes or fraudulent FAFSA emails, scammers target college students to make an easy buck. Always verify with the official offices of a company when contacted regarding financial compensation.
Do not take out loans or financial lines of credit in your name for a friend. Regardless of how much you trust the friend in question, it is never a good idea to compromise your credit history or get stuck paying debt you never received benefit from.
Check your credit reports annually to keep up with your financial history and monitor for suspicious activity.
Personal Documents
Do not bring any unnecessary personal documentation to school. Dorms are often home to many students with access to your belongings. If you must bring physical documents to school, store them in a safe, locked location. Do not carry items, like your SSN, in your wallet unless it is needed. Once the document has served its purpose, return it to the secure location.
Do not share your personal information with anyone without knowing what they will use it for and how it will be protected. Make sure any sensitive mail is sent to a secure location; consider using your parents’ address or a trusted family member for receiving important documents.
If you have additional questions or concerns about college students and identity theft you can receive no-cost assistance from the expert advisors at ITRC. Call us toll-free at 888.400.5530 or LiveChat with an expert today.
