Don't Get Ripped Off

Students are often the victims of identity theft. Here's how to protect yourselfby Kritzie Roberts.After two years, Operation “Swiper” recently uncovered New York’s largest fraud ring. Investigators indicted 111 people on identity theft charges, robbing many of their information, identity and money. Police believe it was an inside job.Most people think identity fraud could never happen to them, but today thieves are becoming wiser and more sophisticated and everyone’s at risk. They are savvier, stealing credit cards and social security numbers and creditor information often using online scams.According to experts, students and children are the easiest target for identity fraud. The Better Business Bureau reports that in 2010, 8. 1 million Americans became victims of identity fraud and 25 percent were college students.Students make easy targets because they are usually less careful with their information. Most students don’t know the risks and threats that come with identity theft. Christine Yard, a CCNY student, says said she has never checked her credit report. When asked “why?” she responded, ”Because I have never had a credit card so I didn’t feel the need to.”The Federal Trade Commission recommends these tips to help protect yourself:

• Shred any bills, letter or mail with any information on it.
• Never carry your social security card in your wallet.
• Avoid entering any personal information while using a public wireless connection.
• Never click links in email that you don't know of.
• Do not use obvious passwords.

For more tips, visit the FTC website. In addition you can check your credit report for free once a year online to make sure no one has tampered with your accounts.