As you prepare to leave for college, your parents may warn you about a lot of things—but probably not identity theft.

But did you know that 30 percent of identity theft victims are between the ages of 18 and 29?

Nine million people have their identity stolen each year. And 2.4 million of them are college age.

What is it?
Identity theft is someone using another person’s identifying information to commit an unlawful activity. It could be using another person’s credit card without permission, using someone’s personal information to obtain a cell phone account, writing fraudulent checks, obtaining official documents or obtaining student loans.

If your identity is stolen, it takes a great deal of time and money to get the issue resolved.

How to prevent identity theft
• Never allow someone to use your credit or debit card.

• Never give someone else your PIN.

• Keep the security software on your computer up to date.

• Never carry your social security card on your person. Instead, memorize your number!

• If you use your middle initial, always use it—it makes it easier to spot possible identity theft.

• Store your laptop in a locked box when not in use instead of leaving it laying around your dorm room.

• Open all mail promptly.

• Shred all documents containing personal information before discarding them.

What happens if you’re a victim?
• First, file a police report. Keep a copy of this report with you at all times to prove you have had your identity stolen. You don’t want to be held responsible for something someone else did.

• Second, notify at least one of the credit reporting agencies. They will place an alert on your credit report to prevent the thief from opening new accounts in your name.

If you call one of the agencies, typically they will tell you they will notify the others for you. Here is how to reach them:

- Equifax: (800) 685-1111

- Experian: (888) 397-3742

- Transunion: (800) 680-7289


• Third, notify any creditors whose card may have been stolen. They will close the account and issue you a new account number. Prompt notification limits your liability for purchases made by the thief.

Many people are victims of identity theft and don’t even know it until their credit is ruined. It is imperative that you monitor your credit report.

Federal law allows you to obtain one free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies annually. Check your credit report regularly to make sure no one is opening accounts in your name.

Request one report from annualcreditreport.com every four months. For example, in January, request your report from Equifax; in May, request your report from Experian; in September, request it from Transunion. This way you are regularly checking your credit report.

If there is any incorrect information on your report, no matter how insignificant it may seem, contact the agency to get it corrected.

Anne Barton is regional director for business development of the National Student Loan Program (nslp.org).