Financial

ATM Safety Steps

  • Utilize an ATM located inside an open business whenever possible.
  • Avoid using street ATMs during night time hours.
  • Always be aware of suspicious persons or vehicles in the area of the ATM. Trust your gut feeling. If things don't feel right, avoid that ATM.
  • Have ATM card out of your wallet or purse before approaching the ATM.
  • Don't write your ATM personal identification number on your card or keep the number in your wallet.
  • When entering your personal identification number, try to keep the numbers away from the view of others.
  • Don't withdraw large amounts of cash.
  • Secure your money at the ATM. Don't walk away with money in hand.
  • Always take your receipt with you.
  • If a robber demands your money, don't argue or fight with the suspect. Note the robber's description and give the robber the money.
  • Get away as soon as it is safe to do so. Remember the money is not worth getting hurt over.

Identity Theft Prevention & Follow-up

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. It can occur when a criminal steals personal identifying information such as name, birth date, Social Security number or your mother's maiden name and uses it for their own gain. These thefts can occur through lost or stolen credit or debit cards, non-secure online transactions, personal information recovered from your garbage, and most frequently, stolen mail from your mailbox.

Basic Safety Tips

  • Don't carry important numbers or passwords with you.
  • Memorize your Social Security number.
  • Don't use your date of birth as your password.
  • Never leave receipts behind.

Credit/Debit Cards

  • Sign your new credit cards immediately.
  • Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately. Make sure you keep the numbers of the issuers somewhere besides on the back of your card!
  • Always check your monthly financial statements carefully against your receipts.
  • Review your consumer credit report annually.

Mail

  • Don't leave mail in your mailbox for more than a day. If you are gone, arrange to have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your mail.
  • Double check that mailboxes are official US Postal Service collection boxes before you deposit your mail.
  • Shred or tear up all unnecessary documents that have your personal information on them.

Online

  • Never put in a credit or debit card number through a website unless it offers a secure transaction.
  • A secure transaction will have a "padlock" icon at the bottom strip of the web page. Also, the URL address will change from "http" to "https" on the page where you input personal data.
  • What can you do if you become a victim?
  • As soon as you discover your identity is being used, you can begin to fight back to lessen the damage the criminal can do. This is why checking your financial statements frequently and carefully can be your best first step towards discovering an ID theft.

Report the crime

  • Call the Public Safety at ext. 5990.
  • Off campus call your local police as soon as possible.

Other steps you can take

  • Call the Federal Trade Commission 1.877.IDTHEFT: for counseling and help to resolve problems arising from this crime.
  • Call one of the major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion): to see if any new accounts were opened in your name without your consent. You can place a "fraud alert" on your file.
  • Keep a record: When you start calling agencies to report your case, keep a record of the names and phone numbers of the people you talked to, along with any supporting documentation.