How to Avoid Identity Theft on Campus

Heading off to college is a great adventure. But an identity thief could turn it into a nightmare.

When a thief steals your identity and rings up credit card charges, cell phone charges and even expensive purchases like cars, he sticks you with the bill and a massive credit mess to clean up.

While you won´t have to pay for items that a thief purchased in your name, cleaning up your credit is your responsibility. And with potential employers checking your credit report, you´ll want to keep your credit file as neat and clean and positive as possible during your college years.

So do everything you can to keep your private financial information private and away from the prying eyes of identity thieves. The following ten tips will show you how.

1. Protect your Social Security number. A name and a Social Security number is all an identity thief needs to do some serious damage. So be stingy with sharing your Social Security number. And don´t carry your Social Security card around with you. Keep it safe in a locked drawer or filing cabinet. If your Social Security number is on your student ID card, request a randomly generated number instead. If you can´t get a new student ID, you can still approach individual professors about posting your grades with a number other than your Social Security number.
   
   You´ll want to keep very close tabs on a student ID with your Social Security number. A quick snap with a cell phone camera is all it takes for a thief to steal your identity. So keep your ID close and safe at all times. For a night out, lock your student ID away at home and use your driver´s license whenever a picture ID is required.
2. Shred pre-approved credit applications. A thief could use a pre-approved credit card application in your name, apply for the card and start charging. So be sure to shred all pre-approved credit offers that you don´t want. A cross-cutting shredder works best. If you hate shredding, you can opt-out instead. Visit www.optoutprescreen.com or call 1–888–567–8688 and request that your name be taken off the list for pre-approved credit cards offers.
3. Beware of unsolicited emails. Some unsolicited emails include links to phony, look-alike financial websites, where a thief hopes you´ll share your private account information and password information. Protect yourself by steering clear of links in unsolicited emails, even from emails claiming to be from companies that you know or do business with. Be cautious of any unexpected request for private information by email.
4. Protect your PIN. Don´t share the personal identification number for your ATM card and debit card with anyone. Use your hand to shield your PIN when you use an ATM or when you pay by debit card. Protect the PIN numbers and passwords for all online financial accounts.
5. Find a safe place for your sensitive financial information. Put bank statements, credit card statements, student credit cards, online financial passwords, your Social Security card, health insurance card, and other financial and medical records in a locked draw or locked filing cabinet. Shred all financial and medical information that you don´t want to keep. An identity thief could be someone you know or someone your roommate knows.
6. Monitor your mail. Don´t let your mail pile up on a desk or in your mail slot. And be sure to use U.S. Postal mailbox for all outgoing mail. A thief could open up an unlocked private mailbox and steal your outgoing mail, including credit card, utility, or cell phone bills and steal your identity.
7. Limit the number of credit cards that you carry. Carry no more than one or two credit cards in your wallet. And keep your wallet or purse close to you when you head out for the evening.
8. Monitor your spending. Keep close tabs on your debit card and credit card spending. Read each credit card and bank statement carefully. Did you make those charges? If not, contact your bank or your credit card company immediately. The sooner you report a suspicious charge, the better off you´ll be.
9. Be cautious with Facebook and MySpace profiles. Keep private information off social networking websites. Don't post things like your address, phone number, email, Social Security number, or class schedule. These are all details that an identity thief could use against you. Set your profile to private so people you don't want to see your profile can't search your name and access it.
10. Get a free copy of your credit report. If a thief has stolen your identity and applied for credit in your name, it will show up on your credit report. Fraudulent negative records could even damage your credit for up to 7 years. So be sure to request a free copy of your credit report and take a close look at each and every detail. Be on the lookout for any suspicious accounts or activities or any entry that you don´t recognize. Is someone with your name and Social Security number living at a different address? That could be a thief.

You´re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every 12 months. To request a free copy of your credit report, visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. For step-by-step advice for ordering a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus, check out this article about annual credit reports from Credit.com.

With a little caution, you can keep your credit and identity protect when in college! It just takes awareness and some common sense.

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