Protecting Your Identity

Identity theft is the assumption of another's identity (without their knowledge) in order to access resources or obtain credit and other benefits in that person's name. There are many ways that students can protect their personal information.

What You Can Do

• Memorize all of your PIN numbers and passwords. 
• If you must write them down, do so in a very safe place and do not indicate in any way what accounts the passwords match.
• Never tell anyone your passwords or PINs. 
• Use your hands to cover the keypad at the ATM Terminal.
• Do not carry around your Social Security Card around with you; memorize your Social Security number.
• Do not lend computers and accounts to others. 
• Protect Social Security and Student ID numbers and only give them out when it is essential.
• Never give any credit card, bank, or social security information to anyone over the telephone. 
• Take care when using social networking Internet sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or video sites like YouTube.
• Do not post risky, sensitive, or potentially embarrassing personal information or videos. 
• If you are a victim of identity theft, contact the Simmons University Public Safety at 617-521-1112.

If your identity is compromised please refer to the FTC website, or the attorney general's website.