Seek protection from identity theft
Winston Mize
Staff Reporter
Issue date: 9/22/08 Section: Business
Identity theft is heard in the news quite often nowadays, and many say it cannot or will not happen to them. Some believe that identity theft only happens to people with large amounts of money or small businesses.
In reality, college students are prime targets for identity theft. Everything from the multitude of credit card offers trashed, to the sketchy places bootleg Coach bags are bought from, make students vulnerable to become identity theft victims.
Here are 10 tips to avoid becoming a victim of identity fraud that everyone should try to take notice of and practice:
The tangled World Wide Web
Do not ever send personal information in a e-mail, IM or other forms of messaging via World Wide Web.
Personal information can include Social Security numbers, account numbers, personal identification numbers, credit card numbers, etc.
It is said that what is sent on the Internet actually is seen by many different eyes before it reaches its destination. Some instances are slightly less risky than others, but think twice about sending personal information via the Internet.
Passwords must vary
Pick good passwords. That cannot be stressed enough. Pick a password that is not something easy to guess or utterly obvious.
Choose PIN's, passwords and user names wisely. Make sure they are not something like a birthday, phone number or address.
As for online log-ins, if the computer asks to save the password, click no, it is wise to just type in the password each and every time.
Be careful of what is said
Restrict the amount of information given out in all circumstances. If someone sends an e-mail, or calls and it is unclear as to whom it is, hang up or do not reply. Never disclose any personal information.
Private use, safer than public
Do not use a public computer to check account details or look at personal information. Closing the window does not erase the history, and anyone could just go stumbling onto personal information.
Always check to see if the site is a Secure Sockets Layer Web site. The little padlock in the lower right hand corner of the browser window and "https" as opposed to "http" are indicators that the site is a Secure Sockets Layer Web site.
Watch the mail
Make sure addresses are not put out over the Internet. Also be sure to put outgoing mail in the United States Post Office boxes as opposed to personal ones.
Shredding
Buy a shredder. Either shred personal documents or buy a lock box and safely deposit and file any documents with credit card statements, Social Security numbers and account details.
Check credit
Check individual credit reports at least once a year. Check it through Equifax, TransUnion or Experian because federal law requires these three credit bureaus give a free copy once a year.
If wanting to be really cautious, then requesting a printout of the report every four months may be an option.
Check transactions
Make sure to look over account summaries carefully. If any weird or unusual transactions are noticed, report it immediately.
Also, if mailed statements look as if they have been opened and resealed, report that as well.
The right stuff
Make sure personal computers have effective Antivirus software, it is turned on and that firewalls are enabled.
Read the fine print
When signing up for an account or ordering something online be aware of the companies' private policies. Make sure it is known how information will and will not be used. Also make sure the company is legit and not a shell company that may have personal information at danger.
If you suspect that you have become a victim of identity theft, call 1-877-ID-THEFT.
Identity theft is becoming more and more common because of how easy students make it. Also, because of the low risk of being caught. The best way to be protected is through self-defense - it starts with each individual and is free. Be mindful of what is going on around you and what information you make available to others. Identity theft is not the end of the world and all is not lost, but by taking the necessary precautions, the chances of encountering theft will be more slim.
In reality, college students are prime targets for identity theft. Everything from the multitude of credit card offers trashed, to the sketchy places bootleg Coach bags are bought from, make students vulnerable to become identity theft victims.
Here are 10 tips to avoid becoming a victim of identity fraud that everyone should try to take notice of and practice:
The tangled World Wide Web
Do not ever send personal information in a e-mail, IM or other forms of messaging via World Wide Web.
Personal information can include Social Security numbers, account numbers, personal identification numbers, credit card numbers, etc.
It is said that what is sent on the Internet actually is seen by many different eyes before it reaches its destination. Some instances are slightly less risky than others, but think twice about sending personal information via the Internet.
Passwords must vary
Pick good passwords. That cannot be stressed enough. Pick a password that is not something easy to guess or utterly obvious.
Choose PIN's, passwords and user names wisely. Make sure they are not something like a birthday, phone number or address.
As for online log-ins, if the computer asks to save the password, click no, it is wise to just type in the password each and every time.
Be careful of what is said
Restrict the amount of information given out in all circumstances. If someone sends an e-mail, or calls and it is unclear as to whom it is, hang up or do not reply. Never disclose any personal information.
Private use, safer than public
Do not use a public computer to check account details or look at personal information. Closing the window does not erase the history, and anyone could just go stumbling onto personal information.
Always check to see if the site is a Secure Sockets Layer Web site. The little padlock in the lower right hand corner of the browser window and "https" as opposed to "http" are indicators that the site is a Secure Sockets Layer Web site.
Watch the mail
Make sure addresses are not put out over the Internet. Also be sure to put outgoing mail in the United States Post Office boxes as opposed to personal ones.
Shredding
Buy a shredder. Either shred personal documents or buy a lock box and safely deposit and file any documents with credit card statements, Social Security numbers and account details.
Check credit
Check individual credit reports at least once a year. Check it through Equifax, TransUnion or Experian because federal law requires these three credit bureaus give a free copy once a year.
If wanting to be really cautious, then requesting a printout of the report every four months may be an option.
Check transactions
Make sure to look over account summaries carefully. If any weird or unusual transactions are noticed, report it immediately.
Also, if mailed statements look as if they have been opened and resealed, report that as well.
The right stuff
Make sure personal computers have effective Antivirus software, it is turned on and that firewalls are enabled.
Read the fine print
When signing up for an account or ordering something online be aware of the companies' private policies. Make sure it is known how information will and will not be used. Also make sure the company is legit and not a shell company that may have personal information at danger.
If you suspect that you have become a victim of identity theft, call 1-877-ID-THEFT.
Identity theft is becoming more and more common because of how easy students make it. Also, because of the low risk of being caught. The best way to be protected is through self-defense - it starts with each individual and is free. Be mindful of what is going on around you and what information you make available to others. Identity theft is not the end of the world and all is not lost, but by taking the necessary precautions, the chances of encountering theft will be more slim.
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