The ABCs of ID Theft

How to Avoid Identity Theft

You can help your students stay safe from identity theft by teaching them a few simple precautions.The most common way that thieves steal information and identities is by phishing. First, learn more about spotting, reporting, and avoiding phishing scams. Then share these tips with your students to help them protect their own and their family’s information:

  • Never share personal information. Don’t give out personal information such as your full name or hometown in an instant message (IM) or a chat room unless you are certain of the identity of the person with whom you are chatting.
  • Log off in public. If you use computers in a library or Internet café, log off completely before you leave. You can’t know what software is installed on these machines or what it does, such as tracking your keystrokes.
  • Create secure passwords. A secure password has at least eight characters, uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters plus numbers or symbols, and is not easily guessed.
  • Use only secure sites. If your students shop on the Web, they should be sure the URL of any site where they enter financial information begins with https:// and features a yellow lock icon in the bottom right corner. They can click this icon to check the  security certificate for the site.
  • Students with wireless laptops should avoid making transactions over a wireless network. A nearby thief with a wireless connection could pick up their information.
 
Recognizing and Reporting Fraud

Tell your students about warning signs of identity fraud: preapproved credit card offers, calls from collection agencies, or unfamiliar financial statements.

If your students suspect identity fraud, urge them to take action immediately to limit the damage. They should contact their credit card companies, banks, all three credit reporting agencies, and the police. They should close any fraudulent accounts, and change their passwords for all online accounts. And they should keep records of all actions they’ve taken.

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