Identity Theft | Blue to Gold Financial Wellness

Identity theft is a growing problem, and unfortunately students are one of the primary groups targeted.

Please note much of the information on this page is provided by or linked to the Federal Trade Commission website identitytheft.gov to keep current

Identity theft is when someone else:

There is a transaction you don't recognize on your credit card or bank statement, or you are notified of unusual charges on your account. Beware: Often scammers attempt small amounts first to test the waters before going for a big purchase.
Your credit card, debit card, or check is refused at a store even though you know money is available. Someone may have overdrawn your account.
You are contacted about accounts you didn't open - debt collectors call, you receive bills for something you didn't purchase, etc.
Inaccurate information shows on your credit report, resulting in denied credit. These could be delinquent accounts or accounts you didn't open.
You stop receiving bills you expect. This may mean someone has changed your contact information or has stolen your mail.
You receive medical bills unexpectedly for doctors' appointments you didn't have.
Your insurance won't cover you because your medical records show a condition you don't have.
Your insurance refuses your claim because they say you've reached your limit. This may be a sign someone has been charging to your insurance or health savings plan.
You're unable to file your federal or state income taxes. The IRS usually notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name or you have income from an employer you don't work for.

Scammers call students in an attempt to get money or personal information. Often they say they are from the FBI, IRS or your personal bank to try to scare students into making a mistake. Visit Defend Your Data for more on phone scams.

Scammers attempt to get close to see your PIN information when you're checking out at a store or using an ATM.

Hackers pull credit card information from online accounts, public WiFi, or websites that aren't secure.

Hackers pull credit card information by walking by you and scanning your cards - even when they're in your wallet!

Skimmers set up devices which record card information when you use the ATM or pump at the gas station.

Salespeople run your card multiple times at stores or secretly swipe your card onto a personal digital card reader.

"Dumpster divers" go through your garbage to get personal or account information from your paperwork - credit card bills, utility bills, junk mail, insurance, or bank statements.
Scammers steal your mail in an attempt to get sensitive information.

Avoid using public WiFi for anything that needs your password (bank or credit card accounts, or accounts with your banking, credit, or personal information linked).
Do not carry your Social Security card.
Shred documents that have sensitive or personal information.
Monitor your accounts and set up notifications of charges. You can monitor your credit report at annualcreditreport.com.

Tip: You can check the three agencies at Annual Credit Report for free once a year. To check it more frequently, check a different agency every four months. For example, check TransUnion in January, Equifax in May, and Experian in September.

Monitor your accounts and set up notifications of charges.
Keep virus and malware protection up to date on your computer.
Be very cautious when you are sent links from unknown sources.
Use secure websites.
Make sure you are only downloading apps, operating systems, and software updates from trusted entities.
Beware of emails and attachments (phishing schemes).
Beware of "too good to be true." Offers that invite you to cash a check, keep part, then send money from your account are usually a scam. So are offers of "enhanced" internet at WVU.
If someone calls you asking for sensitive information or payment, do not give either! Thank them for the notice, then call the business back at the number you find on their website to confirm if this is legitimate. Visit Defend Your Data for more on what to do about phone scams.
Create strong passwords. Do not give them to anyone or leave them where they can be found. More tips on passwords can be found at Defend Your Data.
Don't leave your mail in the mailbox for too long.
Don't overshare on social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
Clear data from electronics (computers, phones) before discarding.
Utilize features like fingerprint sign-on or retina/facial recognition for increased security.
Use RFID wallets which can help prevent scammers from skimming your credit card information.

Act fast! The sooner you shut it down, the better.
Notify the security departments of any involved creditors or financial institutions, and close any accounts that were opened fraudulently.
File a police report with local police or with police in the community where the fraud took place.
Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission. They will also help you set up a recovery plan.
Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit reporting agencies and request that one of them place a “Fraud Alert” in your credit file. The three major credit reporting agencies:

It's a "flag" credit reporting agencies put in your file to instruct creditors to take extra precautions when opening accounts or issuing credit, such as additional verification of your identity. This can slow down the credit application process, but can protect your credit. There are two types: