As college students settle into the new academic year, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging them to be vigilant about identity theft. Scammers increasingly target young adults, who often have limited experience managing finances, making them prime targets for fraud. According to BBB’s 2023 Scam Tracker℠ Risk Report, individuals aged 18-24 have shown similar susceptibility to scams as older adults, with this age group reporting the highest median dollar loss in recent years.
To help students protect themselves, the BBB recommends several key steps:
- Use a Secure Mailing Address: Important documents should be sent to a permanent address, such as a parent’s home or a post office box, rather than a school mailbox that may be less secure.
- Safeguard Important Documents: Store sensitive documents like your Social Security card, passport, and bank statements in a secure location. Shred any papers containing financial information before disposing of them.
- Protect Your Credit and Debit Cards: Avoid lending your cards to others, and be cautious of “shoulder surfers” when entering your PIN. Keep your cards in a safe place, out of sight.
- Secure Your Devices: Ensure that your phone, laptop, and other devices have up-to-date antivirus and anti-spyware software. Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts, and avoid sharing them with others.
- Shop Safely Online: When shopping online, verify the legitimacy of websites through BBB.org. Look for secure websites indicated by a padlock icon and “https://” in the URL.
- Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Frequent checks of your financial accounts and credit reports can help you quickly identify and respond to any suspicious activity.
Taking these proactive steps can help college students protect themselves from identity theft and other forms of fraud, ensuring a safer and more secure college experience.
