Avoid Identity Theft

Identity theft has become an increasing problem in our country. It is important that as a young consumer you remain vigilant and protect yourself from this type of crime.

Get the Facts – The best defense against identity theft is knowledge. Get the facts and learn how to protect yourself. The federal trade commission offers a Avoid Identity Theft site as a national resource for all consumers: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.

Avoid Identity Theft – The federal trade commission uses the slogan deter, detect, & defend your identity. Visit their site for more information and download the Deter, Detect, Defend Brochure or various other free publications for helpful tips and reminders.

Protect Yourself – Do not give anyone your personal information. You may think you know your roommate or his friends, the freshman across the hall, or your study partner for calculus, but you don’t know what they were doing prior to coming to college or what they are capable of doing. Your new buddy could be an identity thief using your credit card around town. Be cautious and keep things like your drivers license, social security number, ATM pin number, and credit cards locked up and secure or on a need to know basis. And in this case, you’re the only one who needs to know.