Identity theft risks for college students

As students prepare to head back to campus this fall, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has released this list of what students should and should NOT do to keep themselves safe from identity theft:

Don't:

Carry your Social Security card in your wallet.

Shop online or pay bills on a public computer, through an unsecured website, or on an unsecured Wi-Fi network.

Give solicitors any personal financial information or your Social Security number.

Post personal identifying information on social media.

Do:

Keep your dorm room locked and keep sensitive materials out of sight, preferably in a lockbox.

Request an assigned ID number instead if your school uses Social Security numbers for student ID.

Ask that your Social Security number not be included on publicly posted grades.

Shred pre-approved credit card offers and bills.

Put mail directly in U.S. Postal Service mailboxes instead of unsecured campus mailboxes.