Attorney General Warns College Students to Prevent Identity Theft by Safeguarding Personal Information
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on August 15, 2017 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey reminds college students to safeguard personal information as another school year begins.
While it’s an exciting time for many, identity thieves may take advantage and try to steal personal information.
“It’s very important to stay vigilant while enjoying the college experience,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Identity theft has long-lasting consequences and can be very difficult to get untangled from.”
College is the first time many young adults are in charge of their own personal affairs, which makes them susceptible to scammers.
Students should use strong passwords to protect devices and never share or leave personal information on display.
Billing statements and other sensitive information should be shredded or kept secure rather than carried.
Students should also be wary of any unsolicited attempt to gain access to personal information and never divulge such information without verifying the authenticity of the recipient.
Additionally, college students are encouraged to download firewalls and software that attacks computer viruses and spyware to protect important files and schoolwork from hackers.
The Attorney General’s Office issues this advice as part of the fourth annual Off to College Consumer Protection Week. To learn about consumer protection efforts in West Virginia, visit http://www.ago.wv.gov/consumerprotection.
Anyone with questions should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-368-8808, the Eastern Panhandle Consumer Protection Office in Martinsburg at 304-267-0239 or visit the office online at http://www.wvago.gov.
