Preventing Theft on Campus

College students already have enough to worry about between classes, work, and finances. But in this age of technology, there is one more worry to add to the list: theft. The personal gadgets we own are becoming more and more expensive, which increases the potential for theft. Also, with the use of social media on the rise, it is easier than ever for identity thieves to steal your information. In this post, we’ll list some ways to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of theft at college.

Leave valuables at home – Keep the most expensive things you own at home, especially those that have sentimental value. A good rule of thumb is that if it can’t be replaced, then it probably shouldn’t be at school. Other items, such as social security cards and passports, may not have monetary value but are incredibly important. Unless you absolutely need these for a specific purpose, keep them at home.

Keep an eye on your stuff – It’s very easy to lose track of your belongings, especially if you feel comfortable in your dorm or library’s common area. No matter how familiar you are with the people you’re around or the place you’re in, it’s very easy for an opportunistic thief to nab your stuff. Take your personal items with you everywhere you go, even if you’re only leaving for a short while.

Protect your financial information – Phone bills, credit card statements, and other documents that contain sensitive information should be kept in a secure location within your room. Shred any and all paper items that you no longer need. Better yet, switch to electronic billing to make it harder for thieves to gain access to your information.

Keep track of bank statements – College students are often prime targets for identity theft because of their relatively clean credit history. In addition, it takes college students longer on average to recognize and report identity theft. During this time, identity thieves can rack up more charges that you may end up being responsible for. It pays to consistently check your financial statements to ensure your accounts are not being charged for fraudulent purchases.

Limit personal information online – Social media websites can potentially give someone access to a wealth of your personal information. With just a name, address, and date of birth, a thief may be able to gain access to your financial accounts or apply for credit cards in your name. Also, by posting that you are going away for the weekend, you are advertising to hundreds of people that your belongings will be unprotected during that time. Keep personal information to a minimum online, and ensure all your online accounts are protected with a strong password.

Be careful when surfing the Web – Thieves love “phishing” (the practice of sending unsolicited emails that look like they originated from reputable sources but are really phony) in the hopes that you will provide them with personal information. But apart from online thieves, beware of potential snoopers who may peer over your shoulder to observe the information you enter into a computer. And always remember to log off when using a public school computer.

Theft is a substantial threat on college campuses, but by following these tips you can ensure that you are doing all you can to prevent becoming a victim.