Starting college is exciting! This adventure brings new classes, new friends, maybe even living on your own for the first time. While you’re juggling school and social life, fraud and identity theft can happen. College students are frequent targets because they’re often new to credit, banking, and managing their personal information.
Here’s what you need to watch out for and how to stay safe:
How Identity Theft Happens in College
Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers
You may toss those “pre-approved” credit card offers straight into the trash without thinking twice. But thieves look for exactly that—partially filled applications with your name and address. All they need to do is fill in the blanks and send them back, opening a credit card in your name.
Pro tip: Shred all financial mail before throwing it away.
Bank Account Theft
Many thieves don’t drain accounts all at once, they take small amounts over time so it’s harder to spot. Review your checking and savings accounts regularly and set up alerts through your bank or credit union.
Social Security Number Exposure
Some colleges still use your Social Security number (SSN) for logins or student IDs. It’s tempting to save it on your phone or share it when asked but always keep it private. Only give it out to trusted parties.
Stolen Devices
Laptops and tablets hold personal files, banking info, and saved passwords. If stolen, thieves can easily access your accounts.
Pro tip: Always use a strong password and enable a device tracking feature in case it’s lost or stolen.
Top Tips to Protect Your Identity
Lock Your Dorm Room
A simple locked door is your best defense against stolen laptops, wallets, or IDs.
Password Protect Your Devices
Use strong, unique passwords and set your computer or tablet to require a password every time it wakes up.
Pro tip: Change them regularly.
Limit Personal Info Online
Your birthday, hometown, or phone number might seem harmless on social media, but identity thieves use this information to hack accounts or open credit in your name.
Watch Out for Phishing Emails
Scammers will send emails that appear as though they’re from legitimate sources like your school, your bank or even money movement apps like PayPal. Asking you to “confirm your information.” Never click suspicious links or give out personal details by email. If in doubt, call the company directly or visit their website from your browser and type it in. Do not follow the link from the email.
Shred Your Paperwork
Credit card offers, bank statements, and anything with personal info should be shredded before being discarded.
Track Your Devices
Record your laptop’s make, model, and serial number. Consider adding tracking software or even an inexpensive cable lock for extra protection.
Use Campus IT Support
Many colleges offer free or discounted security software for students. Check with your IT department before paying for programs that might not even work on the school’s network.
Common Scams That Target College Students
Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
You might get an email or call promising to wipe away your student debt—for a fee. Legitimate student loan forgiveness programs are free and available through StudentAid.gov. Don’t pay anyone who promises “immediate relief” or asks for your Federal Student Aid ID.
Fake Tuition Calls
Some scammers pose as university staff, claiming your tuition is overdue and demanding payment by phone. Hang up and call your admissions or billing office directly.
Apartment & Job Scams
Be wary of “great” off-campus housing deals that require deposits sight unseen, or job listings asking for upfront fees. Always meet landlords in person and verify employers.
Wi-Fi Hacks
Public Wi-Fi at coffee shops and libraries is convenient, but some scammers create fake hotspots to steal your data. Use secure networks and avoid logging into bank accounts or sensitive websites on public Wi-Fi.
Social Media Traps
Fake university pages or profiles may ask for your personal details. Only connect with official pages and keep your profile information limited to trusted friends.
Check Cashing & “Easy Money” Scams
If someone offers you cash to deposit a check for them for cash in return it is too good to be true. It’s often a fake check, and when it bounces, you’re on the hook for the money.
Fake Credit Cards
Students are prime targets for fake credit card offers that steal your information or sign you up for cards with huge fees and interest rates. Stick with well-known financial institutions when applying.
Scholarship & Loan “Guarantees”
No legitimate scholarship or loan program requires upfront fees. If someone promises “guaranteed money” for a price, it’s a scam.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
- Change your passwords immediately for any compromised accounts.
- Contact your bank or credit union to freeze your account if your card or bank info is stolen.
- Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Contact your school if scammers claim to be affiliated with them.
Honor Credit Union Can Help
Keeping an eye on your finances is easier than ever. With Honor’s mobile and online banking, you can quickly check your balances, monitor transactions, set up notifications and even lock your card. All your accounts in one secure place means you can focus on classes, friends, and campus life without worrying about fraud.
A Checking Account That Fits Your Lifestyle
College is a new era and what better way to start fresh than with a new checking account. Honor’s Connect Checking is an account that rewards you every time you dine out, get gas, or shop for groceries! With no minimum or monthly balance fees, and an exciting rewards program, you’ll love how rewarding banking can be.
