Living in a college dormitory can be a great student experience, and it will be an even better one if your teen takes steps to protect themself from any potential risks and threats that surround them.
From an identity theft perspective, there’s usually no need for your teen to take their Social Security card or birth certificate to college. But if he or she must do so, recommend getting a safety deposit box at a nearby bank.
When possible, have your teen opt to receive bank statements electronically. And, as obvious as it may sound, remind your teen to lock their dorm room whenever they leave, and to password-protect their computer and phone to minimize unauthorized access to personal information.
It might seem like a crime that happens only to others, but identity theft is on the rise and the implications of a damaged identity can be severe. Have a dialogue with your teen about identity theft and the simple steps he or she can take to protect their information and privacy.