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Q: Even though I’m only a student, should I be concerned about identity theft?
A: Definitely! Identity thieves prey on people of all ages. Last year, 500,000 people were victims of identity theft, which the FBI dubs the fastest growing white-collar crime in our country.
Identity thieves’ primary purpose is to get hands on your personal information to use it illegally. Even if the thief is caught, you may still face future difficulties when trying to get financial aid or a student loan, buy a car, rent an apartment, open a new checking account or apply for a credit card. Talk about bad news.
The good news is that you can minimize your risk by understanding how identity theft occurs, and how better to safeguard your information.

The name shame
Most people carry at least one piece of identifying information in their wallets, purses, backpacks or briefcases. This includes a student ID card, driver’s license, credit or debit card, Social Security card, passport, phone card, a blank check and bills. Once lost or stolen, these items open the door to your money matters. An identity thief’s goal is to steal personal data from these items, then use your identifying information to, among other things like obtaining cash from your bank or credit accounts.
Purchase items in stores and/or online using your checks, bank or credit cards. Open new credit cards in your name and then max them out and use your Social Security card to get a job. An identity thief can make your life miserable. But you can minimize your risk. Here’s how.

Leave it home
Your bulging wallet or purse, filled with multiple bank and credit cards, is an identity thief’s dream. Consider carrying a small amount of cash or the one card you plan to use for purchases. Leave blank checks at home, and only carry a passport when you’re traveling.

Call back
Don’t fall for telephone scams. A call supposedly from your bank or credit card company could be fake. If it’s legitimate, the caller should already have identifying information relative to your account. Instead of telling all your business, ask for a call back number. Then, immediately telephone it. You will be connected to someone who can help you.

Hide your stuff
At school or work, it’s good sense to lock up your personal information. Use a combination or key lock on lockers, or a locking file cabinet to store your belongings at work. At home or in your dorm, consider storing your mail, financial-aid papers, cards and statements in a locked file cabinet instead of your desk drawer. Go the extra mile It’s tempting to stick outgoing mail in your mailbox for pick up by a postal worker. But unless it’s a secure box, you could be tempting an identity thief to snatch your mail. Drop your mail at the post office or in a secure mailbox.

Make a list
Finally, you should always keep an up-to-date list, safely stored, of your ATM, debit and credit cards. Include account numbers, expiration dates and com-pany contact numbers. This list will come in handy should you ever lose your cards, or if they’re ever stolen. If your information is ever stolen, you must:
*Contact your banks and credit card companies to report the lost or theft and cancel your accounts.
*Notify your school, job or other I.D. source to report the lost of your related identification card.
*Report the theft to the police.
*Request copies of credit reports from credit bureaus.

Identity theft is serious business—even for students. By understanding how such a crime occurs, you can safeguard your personal information and minimize your risk.

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