Don't Let Them Steal YOUR Good Name!

IS YOUR IDENTITY SAFE?

Identity Theft Quiz:

Is your social security card in your wallet?

Is your social security number on your driver's license?

Does your computer automatically fill in personal information about you?

Do you throw away pre-approved offers for credit cards in the trash?

Do you have your PIN number written down with your ATM card?

Have you told your friends your BUFFONE PIN number?

Do you ever forget to sign off a computer, after you sign on with your Identikey?

If you have answered YES to any of these questions, your identity could be stolen!

What is Identity Theft?

Identity Theft is simply when someone else uses your name, personal information, social security number, or credit card/ bank account numbers to pretend to be you.

What can they do with my identity?

ID thieves can charge merchandise to your accounts. They can open credit card/ bank accounts in your name, which they can use. They can order merchandise on the internet using your name. They can send emails pretending to be you. They can hack websites with your internet logons.

How do I prevent Identity Theft?

Don't carry your Social Security Card in your wallet.

Make sure your BUFFONE card has your new Student ID number, and don't give out your Social Security number unless you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO.

Don't carry more credit cards then you need.

Look to see what information is on your driver's license, checks, and membership cards.

Don't write down your PIN numbers where people can see them.

Lock your checkbook, passport, credit cards, etc, away when you aren't using them.

Don't give out your Identikey numbers, passwords, or login information to other people. Don't write them on your computer.

Make sure you know what your computer is sending people. Disable the auto fill-in feature unless you really need it. Erase personal information that might be on computers you use in the computer labs and kiosks.

Be careful of Phishing. This is when you get messages or offers on your emails that ask for your personal information. Never send personal information, account numbers, etc. to people you don't know. Banks will never ask you to confirm or provide personal information unless you initiate an application. Never respond to requests for personal information, including account information, even from legitimate looking sites.

Pay attention to your bank statements and question discrepancies immediately.

Don't give personal information to solicitors, in person, or on the phone or internet.

Resources

There are a lot of good websites with other prevention tips that you can use to protect your identity:

http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/consumertopics_bk.html

If you are the victim of Identity Theft, contact the CU Police. We can help you contact the appropriate people to file a complaint, and to try to minimize your losses.

http://www.colorado.edu/police/

If you have questions about University internet systems, or student privacy and security, you can contact ITS at:

http://www.colorado.edu/ITS/

or the Office of the Registrar, University of Colorado

http://registrar.colorado.edu/