As degree candidates in standard programs there is campus training every semester on personal safety and how to get around campus at night. As an online degree candidate you do not have those concerns but you do have identity theft.
Identity theft is a huge and growing proliferating problem. What is fairly new however, is the danger is poses to online degree candidates. Yes, your records and degree are in danger of being stolen. Here's how to protect yourself.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your identity and impersonates you in order to obtain student loans or other forms of financial aid. Fraudulent credit card accounts could be opened or other criminal acts committed using your identity.
You may not know when it happens. One day you may be turned down unexpectedly for a loan, get a call from a collection agency about an account you never opened or worse yet, a call from the police about a crime you didn't commit. Suddenly you are a victim of identity theft.
What are the effects of identity theft?
On average, identity theft is not discovered until 14 months after the crime has occurred. By this time, the thief has wreaked havoc on the victim's credit rating. Victims might spend months or even years regaining their credit worthiness. In the meantime, the victims find it difficult to obtain loans, get a job, an apartment, or even write checks.
How does identity theft happen?
Criminals steal personal information, such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, ATM card numbers, telephone calling card numbers and other key pieces of personal data and use them to impersonate their victims. After assuming your identity, they will quickly move to spend or borrow as much money as they can before moving on to their next victim.
Methods with which criminals gain access to your identity online: Pose as your bank or utility company needing to "update their records" Grab information off Internet sites that are not secure Once the thief has this information, they may open a new credit card account or apply for financial aid using your identity and their address. Chances are, you will be unaware that any of this has taken place until the bills go unpaid. The creditor then reports the delinquency to your credit file.
How do I protect myself from identity theft?
Prevention is the first step in battling identity theft. To minimize the risk of someone's stealing your identity and the hassle of cleaning up the aftermath, follow these guidelines:
- Be very careful in giving out your credit card, social security number, bank accounts and other information online.
- Do not give personal information or account numbers to anyone claimig to be from your degree program until you have confirmed the identity of the - continued below ...
