By Lan Nguyen
Identity theft is and remains a serious problem. College students, who pay their mounting bills through means of credit cards and other impersonal ways of money transfer, must be careful due to the risk of having their identity stolen. To prevent this from happening, both the Student Credit Union and the Department of Public Safety urge students at the University of Louisville to be cautious and educated.
“Be vigilant, watch statements to make sure all the transactions are authorized – sometimes company names appear different on statements, and check your credit reports regularly; you can get a free report from TransUnion and look at your entire account,” said Major Kenneth Brown, DPS Commander of Administration, Communications and Investigations.
Both Brown and Barbara Schlachta, a representative of the Student Credit Union are in agreement that using common sense is the best way for students to protect themselves.
“We tell the students not to leave their checkbook out in the dorm, not to throw away receipts – make sure everything is shredded,” said Schlachta.
Freshman and Speed student, Zach Shrout, agrees that using common sense is necessary.
“[Identity theft] is not that big of a concern. If you know what you’re doing, you’re fine,” said Shrout.
If a purse or wallet is stolen, students are encouraged to immediately file a police report. Students should make sure to report everything stolen. DPS investigates credit cards stolen on campus. When charges are made to the card, DPS will work with a student’s bank security to find the person using the card.
According to Schlachta, periodic checks with the credit card company is one of the best ways to prevent a person’s identity from being stolen or to find out if a person’s account has been used.
“Students will get reimbursed for fraudulent charges, but they must be willing to go through the different avenues.” Schlachta said.
Also according to Schlachta, a student must sign an affidavit saying they will prosecute if the person is caught and make a police report. “There’s some responsibility on us and some on students/our members,” she said.
Another place that has significantly increased in the accessibility of identity theft is the Internet.
“The Internet is so unsecured, and we have to give out so much information over there, especially for school like when I had to waive the student health fee. I know there are security measures taken, but still it bothers me,” said Ashley Fertig, a freshman chemistry major.
Student Ashley Morgan recently had her credit card number stolen over the Internet. “I saw this form on a site for a free CD, and I filled in my name, number, and address, but then it asked for my credit card number. I didn’t fill that out, but a few days later, my mom called asking me what I bought that [made] my balance negative.”
A stolen credit card number is not the only threat to student’s finances.
“I hate how open our social security numbers are. They have to be our ID for so many things, like when you apply to a college; your social security number is your ID until you get a student ID,” said Fertig.
Brown offered words of caution to students.
“Someone getting your name and social security number is the biggest threat, so watch what you do with your social security number. Unless it’s required, don’t put it on any forms,” he said.
Identity theft can be a significant threat to students. However, many already know and are taking the necessary precautions. Ben Bowman, a freshman bioengineering major said, “As long as you’re careful about your personal info, you shouldn’t have to worry much.”
