College Students Beware!!

College students Identity theft

October 27, 2016

COLLEGE STUDENTS BEWARE!

College students are a growing target for identity theft. It takes the average college student 130 days to detect identity theft on their accounts! College students also end up PAYING FIVE TIMES MORE than other groups when they are hacked!! Check out the Better Business Bureau tips below and GET COVERAGE today!!! FreedomID Direct offers comprehensive coverage as low as $5.99 per month!! Don't ruin your credit before you've finished your degree!! Be smart, be ready!!!

College Students Popular ID Theft Targets

They're young, upwardly-mobile, but still have a lot to learn. So is it any wonder that college students are a favorite target of identity thieves?

But NewsChannel 5 On Your Side finds there are a few simple tips that co-eds can use so they don't get fleeced before they get that sheepskin.

"I'm not very good with money, I just don't think of it," said Kaleigh Raynaud, a sophmore at St. Louis University.

Unsuspecting, unaware and blissfully ignorant. That describes the attitude of some college students when it comes to identity theft.

"I'd probably fall for something if it was good enough," said Gareth Greenwell, a sophmore.

But if they're sheltered now, it won't last forever. Bad credit is hard to lose.

"It could jeopardize the job you get, it could jeopardize how a bank will treat you if you apply for a loan. it's like a permanent record," said Katherine Stein, a local student.

According to experts, it takes the average college student 130 days to detect any identity theft on their accounts. They also lose five times as much money as other age groups that experience identity theft

The better business bureau has some easy ways to reduce your risk of identity theft in college.

First, don't leave important documents in your dorm or school mailbox

"Someone could steal your keys, anyone could get into your dorm," said Stein.

And think twice before lending your credit card to a friend.

"You never really know what they're going to buy. They're my friends, but they could always say 'Oh, I accidentally used the wrong card,'" said Greenwell.

Making it even more important for college students to check their bank statements for suspicious activity.

"I think I just trust the bank to notify me, which probably isn't good," said Raynaud.

"I do that at least once or twice a week," said Athena Murong, a junior.

We found the best step to take is one a lot of students don't bother with until they're out of school: checking their credit report. Often because many believe their credit rating won't change if they're not paying bills.

"I don't have credit right now, I don't have a credit card or pay rent," said Greenwell.

"Ten years from now, when you have no money, no identity, you don't know what to do. Prepare yourself by being careful, even if it's a hassle now. it will save you a lot in the end, the little pieces you do now," said Stein.

The Federal Trade Commission received close to 50,000 identity fraud reports involving people aged 20-29.

The BBB also had the following tips:

School mailboxes are not always secure and often can be accessed easily in a dorm or apartment. To combat sticky fingers in the mailroom, have sensitive mail sent to a permanent address, such as a parent’s home or a post office box.
Important documents should be stored under lock and key. This includes your Social Security card, passport and bank and credit card statements. Shred any paper documents that have sensitive financial information rather than just tossing them out. Also shred any credit card offers that come in the mail.
Never lend your credit or debit card to anyone, even if they are a friend. Just say no if your friend wants you to cosign for a loan or financing for items like a TV.
Make sure your computer, laptop or tablet has up-to-date antivirus and anti-spyware software. Always install any updates and patches to your computer’s operating system or browser software, which help keep your computer safe from new schemes or hacks by identity thieves online.
Always check your credit or debit card statements closely for any suspicious activity. The sooner you identify any potential fraud, the less you’ll suffer in the long run. Getting your statements online is more secure, but make sure you actually look at the statements.
When shopping on unfamiliar websites, always check the company out first with BBB. Look for a BBB Accredited Business seal along with other trust seals; click on the seals to confirm that they are legitimate.
Check your credit report at least once a year with all three reporting bureaus for any suspicious activity or inaccuracies. You can do this for free by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

PJ Randhawa, KDSK.com