How to Avoid ID Theft on Campus

Roughly one in 30 students will have their identity stolen during their college years. According to a 2006 report by Javelin Strategy and Research and the Better Business Bureau, the average take is $6,383 and victims spend an average of 40 hours to straighten out the damage.

With employers now routinely checking credit reports, an undetected identity theft during the college years could hamper the launch of a new career.

Here are some tips to share with a co-ed:

Handle bills and other finance-related tasks online and have the reminder notices sent home to mom and dad. Use a U.S. Postal mailbox for outgoing mail. College mail stations aren't exactly secure and stealing mail is still a popular method used by identity thieves.
Opt out of pre-approved credit card offers. Visit www.optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT to have your name taken off the list for pre-approved credit card offers and cut down your chances of someone fraudulently filling it out for you.
Add your name to the do-not-send send list. Mail a short note requesting deletion of your name and address from marketers' lists to: Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512.
Limit the number of credit cards you take to campus. Carry just one credit card and one debit card. Keep most of your money in savings, just moving small amounts into checking account as needed to help limit your risk of someone getting hold of your debit card and emptying out your checking account.
Safeguard your Social Security card by keeping it in a locked drawer or stashed away so it's not easily accessible. If your Social Security number is also your student ID number, ask if it can be changed.
Keep financial papers to yourself. Either opt to have the information mailed to your parents' house or keep them out of reach and sight of others.
Scan statements quickly for discrepancies. If you find anything, contact the credit card company or financial institution immediately.
Request your free annual credit reports from each of the credit bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com. Stagger the reports so you get one every four months to keep tabs on it.
Protect your purse or wallet. Don't leave the room without carrying these items with you.
Safeguard your computer. Use password protection for your files and email. When selecting a password, make it something that's not obvious for someone else to guess. Try a combination of letters and numbers like the first initials of a favorite movie.
Be cautious with public computers. Clear the history and cookies when you're done using a library or student union computer.
Shop securely online. Look for “https” in the prefix which means the server uses encryption technology.
Don't get phished. Don't click on links that come to you via email; a common practice is look-alike sites that steal your personal information. Instead, go to the site yourself or find it through a search engine.
Protect your PIN. When you use a debit card in a store or at an ATM, use your hand to shield your personal identification number from someone who may be watching.