Parents with kids going to college have a lot of matters to tackle seriously with their kids such as class schedules, dorm room decorating, staying safe on campus. And another another very important discussion is how college students can guard against identity theft.
It seems unrelevant but surprisingly true that college students are about as likely to become identity-theft victims as seniors. In fact, according to Federal Trade Commission data 18% of all identity-theft complaints are from people ages 20-29, the age bracket is typically college students. Young people of these days live life online and share many things, if not everything. In addition, upon entry to college means filling out lots of paperwork in which you’re disclosing personal information, which include your Social Security number. Not to mention, college students are distracted and, naturally, they think they're indestructible, so carefree and not to mention they're a little bit stubborn.
It seems unrelevant but surprisingly true that college students are about as likely to become identity-theft victims as seniors. In fact, according to Federal Trade Commission data 18% of all identity-theft complaints are from people ages 20-29, the age bracket is typically college students. Young people of these days live life online and share many things, if not everything. In addition, upon entry to college means filling out lots of paperwork in which you’re disclosing personal information, which include your Social Security number. Not to mention, college students are distracted and, naturally, they think they're indestructible, so carefree and not to mention they're a little bit stubborn.
If you’re a college student or you have a son or daughter who is, take these precautions for your own and or your kids' safety:
Examine and protect your paperwork. College students often so careless, and don’t always realize how much personal information is disclosed and included in their financial aid forms and statements. What you should do is, if you need to bring financial aid information with you on campus, make sure to keep it under lock and key, an in-room safe will suffice or even better, send it home with Mom or Dad--that's the best move. Also be careful with enrollment forms, housing applications as well as credit card applications. And always remember never fill out the latter at a public table or giveaway booth and to leave your Social Security card and birth certificate at home. It's unnecessary to bring carry those on campus.
Avoid free Wi-Fi connectivity. Although public Wi-Fi is definitely widespread on campus, remember to never use your credit card or do any banking on public networks even how needed it is. It’s too easy for thieves to spy and collect your personal information just by simply hacking your information with the presence of wifi connectivity. If it's really necessary, sensitive activities like these should be done on private like in those password-protected Internet connections.
Don’t expose much on social media. Identity thieves definitely tech geeks or savvy enough easily figure out the passwords you use for online accounts from personal information on your Facebook page or other social feeds, so be discreet and really care on what you feed on social media. Also never put your birthdate, an important piece of information for thieves, on any sites. Watch out also for peer-to-peer sharing sites, where they might frequent to get music or games and gaming site where peers and clans meet for leagues and games. Most of these act are aided with malware planted into computers from these sites.
Protect your phone and do not lose it. Download apps onto your phone only from trustworthy sources. Because downloading apps scrupulous store to your Android device can increase the risk of downloading a virus that potentially could steal personal information, malicious malware are everywhere. And most importantly, never root or jailbreak your phone either because you're not only giving yourself super administrative access on Android or iOS devices, but also viruses and malware can easily sneak into your device and control it like a spy. Rooting your Android removes hardware restrictions that allow users to install unapproved apps and basically welcomes danger. Tech-savvy students often do this to add functionality to their phones, though it's definitely beneficial. But it's the No.1 viruses' portal these days.
Never to lend your laptop. Probably you've been storing plenty of financial information in your computer so, it’s essential not to lend your laptop to anyone especially you don't really know the person or even room mates. It’s not that the person you’re lending to will necessarily be a thief, but they may unwittingly use public Wi-Fi where thieves are lurking or download software unknowingly with dangerous viruses that can hack your information.
Monitor your credit report. This is still the best way for early detection if someone has stolen your identity and everything that goes with it. You can use myBankrate to receive your credit report each month for free.
Examine and protect your paperwork. College students often so careless, and don’t always realize how much personal information is disclosed and included in their financial aid forms and statements. What you should do is, if you need to bring financial aid information with you on campus, make sure to keep it under lock and key, an in-room safe will suffice or even better, send it home with Mom or Dad--that's the best move. Also be careful with enrollment forms, housing applications as well as credit card applications. And always remember never fill out the latter at a public table or giveaway booth and to leave your Social Security card and birth certificate at home. It's unnecessary to bring carry those on campus.
Avoid free Wi-Fi connectivity. Although public Wi-Fi is definitely widespread on campus, remember to never use your credit card or do any banking on public networks even how needed it is. It’s too easy for thieves to spy and collect your personal information just by simply hacking your information with the presence of wifi connectivity. If it's really necessary, sensitive activities like these should be done on private like in those password-protected Internet connections.
Don’t expose much on social media. Identity thieves definitely tech geeks or savvy enough easily figure out the passwords you use for online accounts from personal information on your Facebook page or other social feeds, so be discreet and really care on what you feed on social media. Also never put your birthdate, an important piece of information for thieves, on any sites. Watch out also for peer-to-peer sharing sites, where they might frequent to get music or games and gaming site where peers and clans meet for leagues and games. Most of these act are aided with malware planted into computers from these sites.
Protect your phone and do not lose it. Download apps onto your phone only from trustworthy sources. Because downloading apps scrupulous store to your Android device can increase the risk of downloading a virus that potentially could steal personal information, malicious malware are everywhere. And most importantly, never root or jailbreak your phone either because you're not only giving yourself super administrative access on Android or iOS devices, but also viruses and malware can easily sneak into your device and control it like a spy. Rooting your Android removes hardware restrictions that allow users to install unapproved apps and basically welcomes danger. Tech-savvy students often do this to add functionality to their phones, though it's definitely beneficial. But it's the No.1 viruses' portal these days.
Never to lend your laptop. Probably you've been storing plenty of financial information in your computer so, it’s essential not to lend your laptop to anyone especially you don't really know the person or even room mates. It’s not that the person you’re lending to will necessarily be a thief, but they may unwittingly use public Wi-Fi where thieves are lurking or download software unknowingly with dangerous viruses that can hack your information.
Monitor your credit report. This is still the best way for early detection if someone has stolen your identity and everything that goes with it. You can use myBankrate to receive your credit report each month for free.