BBB Tip: 9 tips for college students to avoid ID theft

As college students prepare to head back to campus in the next few weeks, fighting fraud may not be at the top of their list of priorities. However, college students are very susceptible to identity theft; by establishing good habits for monitoring and detecting fraud, students can lay a path for healthy financial practices for the rest of their lives.

The Better Business Bureau recommends that college-bound students take the following nine steps to fight identity theft on campus:

• Send sensitive mail to your permanent home or a post office box. School mailboxes are not always secure and can be easily accessed in a dorm or apartment.
• Important documents should be stored away safely. This includes your U.S. Social Security card, passport, and bank and credit card statements. Shred credit card offers and paper documents with sensitive financial information rather than just tossing them out.
• Never lend your credit or debit card to anyone. If your friend wants to borrow your card or asks you to co-sign for a loan or financing items like a TV, just say no. When using an ATM or credit card machine, don't let anyone 'shoulder surf' your personal identification number (PIN).
• Guard your passwords, and don't give them out to anyone. Use strong passwords; don't use the same password for all sites.
• Watch for phishing. Be vigilant and be careful to click links in emails and texts; verify the content with the website. More on phishing scams.
• Make sure your computer has up-to-date antivirus and spyware software. Always install updates and patches to your computer’s operating system or browser software, which help keep your computer safe from any new advances by identity thieves online.
• Always closely check your credit or debit card statements for suspicious activity. The sooner you identify any potential fraud, the less you’ll suffer in the long run.
• Be careful when shopping online. Check out businesses on BBB.org. Look for the BBB Accredited Business seal; click on the seals to confirm they are legitimate. See BBB's tips for smart shopping online.
• Check your credit report at least once a year. You are entitled to one free report a year from each of the three reporting bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Look for any suspicious activity or inaccuracies. You can do this for free by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

For more information
For more advice on fighting fraud and managing personal finances, visit BBB.org/news.

Learn more about protecting yourself and your child against identity theft.