Identity Theft

in 2017, identity theft was a $16.8 billion crime that affected 16.7 million victims. These numbers reflect a significant increase in risk for consumers, especially students. Don't become a statistic! 

Stay Safe Online

• Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible.

• Secure your devices (via a screen lock and encrypting data stored on the device).

• Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi.

• Check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com.

• Install and update firewalls, antivirus software, and anti-spyware.

• Use and recognize secure websites.

• Avoid accessing personal accounts of sharing personal information on:

  • Public computers.

  • Unsecured Wi-Fi connections.

• Watch out for emails and attachments from imitators.

• Use safe passwords.

  • Do not use the word "password."

  • Integrate numbers into your password.

  • Make your password at least eight characters long.

• Place a security freeze on your credit report.

• Request alerts on your accounts.

• Check your credit report at least annually.

• Consider credit monitoring or identity theft insurance.

• Keep personal documents, and home and work, safe and out of sight.

• Avoid sharing your Social Security Number.

• Carry online necessary documents and cards with you.

• Shred all documents with sensitive information.

• Request electronic statements.

• Use online bill pay.

• Opt out of preapproved credit card offers (optoutprescreen.com).

• Enter your debt card pin discreetly.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

• Pay attention to breach-notification letters.

  • one in four breaches results in identity theft.

Be Social. Be Responsible.

There are a number of precautions to take when using social media. Here are just a few tips.

Be careful when revealing personal information on social media sites. Potential hackers could search your postings for details such as your date of birth, pets’ names, and high school name and then use that information to change the password on your account. Hackers who can answer a security question with your personal information can then change your password and gain access to your account.

Use caution with social networking applications. Some applications may access your private information if it’s not secure.

Be selective in choosing people to communicate with on social media sites. If you don’t know the person requesting communication, don’t accept the invitation.

Assume everything you post is permanent. Everyone wants to share good times and special events, but think about who may view a photo or something you said that could be taken as irresponsible or unprofessional.