Identity Theft

Unfortunately, identity theft is one of the fastest-growing consumer crimes in the nation. As a student, it’s something you’ll want to watch out for. Identity thieves steal your name and personal information—literally stealing your identity—and can seriously jeopardize your financial future.

Students need to be aware
As a student, your personal data is more readily available than it may have been in the past. Students are often targets for identity theft because:

• Many college students receive credit card applications—often weekly—and throw them away without destroying them
• Many college students do not closely monitor their credit card and checking account balances
• Grades and other school-related information are often tracked or posted by Social Security Number

Identity thieves need only a few of these key pieces of personal information to begin the process of stealing your identity:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Social Security Number
• Bank account
• Credit card numbers
• Driver's license number

Identity theft is a federal crime. But, most often it is the victims of identity theft who are left cleaning up after an identity crime.

To get more information about identity theft or if you think you may have been the victim of identity theft, visit the federal identity theft website.