Safeguard Your IDentity
"It's the only one you have so keep it safe!"
Millions of US citizens are victims annually of identity theft. Texas is number 5 on the list of states with the most identity thefts reported.
Anyone with a social security number is at risk of being a victim, and that includes college students. The identity thief wants to gain access to your financial accounts and/or open new accounts to buy, buy, buy, and you are left holding the bag - either one overflowing with debt or a very empty money bag!
What do you do to avoid identity theft? Visit the Federal Trade Commission site and watch the video for valuable information about how to deter, detect, and defend!
TIPs (Take Identity Personally)...seriously...
- Place your social security card in a locked file or safe. Do not carry it in your wallet.
- Be suspicious about persons and websites asking for your social security number and/or driver's license and other personal information. Find out the source and call to verify the request. Almost never send your social security number to the requestor by email or fax.
- Shred any credit card applications received in the mail. Thieves like to dumpster dive and will take informative papers out of the trash. Be sure to shred any bank statements, too.
- Always promptly remove mail from mailboxes. If receiving any kind of checks, set up direct deposit with the company to electronically deposit in your bank account where you safeguard your money..
- Protect any personal data placed on your computer with encryption. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
- Identity theft can occur with muggings, stolen purses, and picked pockets. Never carry anything on you that lists your computer passcodes, bank accounts, and/or social security number.
How will I know if my identity was stolen?
Sometimes you don't find out until the bill collectors start calling. However, being proactive by reviewing your credit history will serve you well in the long run. By law you are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three credit reporting bureaus:
- TransUnion
- Equifax
- Experian
Use the website AnnualCreditReport.com to order your free reports. Space out your requests so you can get a free report from one of the bureaus every four months over the course of a year. Review the report for any new accounts that you did not authorize opening or any delinquencies for unpaid balances due. Follow the bureau's instructions if you find fraudulent transactions. (Also, review the FTC video above for the instructions.)
How much do you know about a credit score? Take The Credit Score Quiz.
Hey, Roadrunner, keep your identity to yourself!
This includes your student ID card. If it's lost or stolen, report it immediately to the campus police and to the Business Auxiliary Services office.
The University of Texas at San Antonio
