Identity Theft Prevention Guide

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, or financial account details without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

Common examples include:

• Opening new credit accounts in your name
• Filing fraudulent tax returns
• Using your insurance information for medical services
• Accessing your online account to impersonate you

Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

Protect Your Personal Information

• Never share your Social Security number, banking info, or passwords unless absolutely necessary.
• Avoid oversharing personal details on social media (e.g., birth date, address).
• Shred sensitive documents before disposing of them.

Strengthen Your Digital Security

• Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Avoid easily guessed passwords like names or birthdays.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) when available.
• Keep software and devices updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Avoid entering sensitive information when connected to public Wi-Fi.
• Use Penn State's VPN (Virtual Private Network) when accessing University systems off campus.

Be Cautious of Phishing and Scams

• Don’t click on suspicious links or download unexpected attachments in emails or texts.
• Verify requests for sensitive information by contacting the organization directly using known contact information.
• Be cautious of urgency or threats in messages; scammers often try to pressure you into acting quickly.

Protect Your Financial Information

• Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
• Review your credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).

Monitor for Signs of Identity Theft

Be alert to red flags such as:

• Bills or account statements that you don’t recognize
• Collection notices for unfamiliar debts
• Denial of credit or loans despite good credit history
• Notification of a data breach from a company you’ve done business with