Top Ten Fraud Prevention Tips
Fraud and scams of various sorts are becoming one of the most common crimes. We are posting a comprehensive document from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators which discusses each of the following types of fraud and scams:
Fraud and Scams Targeting College Students (IACLEA)
Cracking Cards
Student Tax Scams
Tech Support Scams
Student Loan/Scholarship Scams
Identity Theft
Behavior Blackmail Scam
Roommate Rental Scam
PayPal Scam
Reshipping Scam
Ride Share Scams
Fraud Prevention Tips
Fraud Prevention Resources
Ten Fraud Prevention Tips
1) Get your free credit report at annualcreditreport.com. Each year you may receive 1 free credit report from each of the 3 credit reporting agencies (Trans Union, Equifax or Experian). Upon receipt, check for unauthorized accounts, inquiries and unknown addresses.
2) Register to access your social security benefits statement at www.ssa.gov. Upon receipt, review your estimated benefits and earnings record. You should also ensure no one is using your social security number for employment or other benefits.
3) Know who you are paying, via person to person payments, i.e., Zelle, Venmo, etc. Pay and receive money only with people you know. Don’t pay strangers with P2P (Person to Person). Most “person to person” transactions are instantaneous and irreversible.
4) Do not pay for merchandise online or via the phone using a debit card. Debit cards are vulnerable because they are linked to a bank account. You have a far better chance of resolving a fraudulent transaction when paying with a credit card rather than with a debit card. Also do not provide your debit/credit card numbers over the phone, via emails or on websites unless you initiated the call or order.
5) Keep thorough records. If your laptop is stolen, can you provide a full description to the police? Write down your computer’s make, model, color and most importantly the unique serial number, which acts as a key identifier, much like the vehicle identification number (VIN) on a car. You might also need this information to file an insurance claim.
6) Do not use an ATM machine if you notice wires or a skimming device attached to where you insert your card. Also, cover the key pad with your hand, a hat or other piece of clothing when inputting pin numbers. Notify the bank or local police if you observe device(s) attached to the ATM.
7) Do not make a debit card purchase without first verifying the account balance. Most financial institutions will allow the transaction to process through even when you don’t have enough funds to cover the charge. This will result in penalties and unnecessary fees.
8) DON’T ASSUME AN EMAIL OR PHONE CALL IS AUTHENTIC – Just because someone knows your basic information (such as your name, date of birth and address), it doesn’t mean the email or phone call is legit. Criminals will use a range of social engineering techniques to get your personal identifiable information.
9) When leaving bars or restaurants late at night do not accept a ride from a person who purports to be employed by a well-known private car service or transportation network company unless you initiated the call for service. In the past, fraudsters have driven students to secluded areas and robbed them. In other cases intoxicated customers were driven to ATM machines and forced to withdraw funds from their accounts.
10) Do not offer to deposit a check into your account if requested by an unknown individual. The individual may claim they do not have an account and offer a sob story. You are financially responsible for all Items deposited into your account. Do not provide your account log on credentials to anyone. If you do, they can deposit stolen or counterfeit checks into your account. The Bank will hold you financially responsible.
Trust Your Gut – If something just feels wrong, it probably is.