Identity Theft: Prevention for College Students

Identity Theft Protection for College Students

Don't Let Fraud Derail Your College Experience

College is all about learning and growing, but no one wants a crash course in identity theft. As a student, your personal and financial information is valuable, and it's up to you to protect it. Think of it as your first lesson in financial independence.

Keep Personal Information Secure

If you're living in a dorm or apartment, you’ll likely be around a lot of people. Always store important documents like your Social Security card, financial statements, insurance paperwork, or medical records in a secure, hidden place. Better yet—lock them up. Never leave your wallet, checkbook, or ID where someone could easily take them.

Shred, Don’t Toss

Get a shredder and use it regularly. Destroy credit card offers, old bank statements, and any personal documents you no longer need. Tossing them intact makes it easy for identity thieves to get your information.

Practice Safe Browsing

• Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts—especially for your financial apps and services.
• Don’t reuse the same password across multiple platforms.
• Set passcodes on your phone, tablet, and laptop, and always log out of accounts when you're finished.

Be cautious with emails and downloads. Never click suspicious links or open files unless you know the sender. Scammers often try to trick you into revealing personal information or installing harmful software.

Watch What You Share

Oversharing on social media can give scammers everything they need. Avoid posting personal details like your full birthdate, address, or school schedule. The more information they have, the easier it is to impersonate you.

Use Digital Banking Tools

Take advantage of Sierra Central’s online and mobile banking features to monitor your accounts in real time. Set up alerts to get notified of:

• Balance changes
• ATM withdrawals
• Online purchases
• Password or security changes

Catching suspicious activity early helps stop fraud before it goes further.

Lost Your Card? Act Fast

If your debit or credit card is ever lost or stolen, report it immediately. Many card issuers—including Sierra Central—offer online tools that let you turn your card “off” instantly, preventing new transactions. Once found, you can switch it back “on.” Contact us for help or to learn more about this feature.

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