Something for Everyone
Protect yourself!
A January 2005 survey conducted by Javelin Research for the Better Business Bureau reported that the greatest identity theft risk comes from those closest to us, NOT Internet-related fraud, as many believe. In fact, family members, neighbors, friends, and co-workers make up more than half of all known identity thieves. This finding has disturbing implications for a university community where so many people live and work in close proximity to each other!
Simple common-sense precautions, such as keeping a watchful eye over your personal possessions (wallet, backpack, and laptop computer), credit card receipts and mail can go a long way toward protecting your finances and identity. Detailed information about safeguarding personal information can be found in the Especially for Students section.
Managing your personal information
All members of the U-M system (including the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses, as well as the U-M Medical Center) are listed in the U-M Online Directory. Please note that all information pertaining to your personal entry (except your uniqname) can be set as "private" (removed from public view) if you choose to do so. Instructions for changing your privacy settings can be found under the "Help" menu, located at the top right corner of the page. Although setting your entry to "Private" does not remove you from the Directory, please be aware that your entry will be "invisible" to anyone who searches for you by name. Additional privacy controls for students are managed by the Office of the Registrar and by Human Resources (see Wolverine Access) for faculty and staff.
Savvy web and e-mail practices
Over the past couple of years there have been dozens of "phishing" scams—some of them targeted specifically at U-M students and employees. These scams are becoming more and more common. U-M's Department of Public Safety publishes bulletins on its website when U-M students, staff, or businesses are specifically targeted.
As described by the Better Business Bureau: "'Phishing' is a term coined by computer hackers who use e-mail to fish the Internet hoping to hook you into giving them your logins, passwords and/or credit card information. In all these scams, the phisher first impersonates a legitimate company such as your own internet service provider, or your auction site or a financial institution. In the typical scam, you'll get an email that appears to be from a reputable company. You'll be asked to go to a special site to update your account information." Unfortunately, thieves are getting away with money AND enough personal information to commit widespread identity theft.
It can be very difficult to tell the difference between a legitimate business request and a phishing scam. A personal e-mail from your "bank" (complete with the company logo and professional polish) may well be a clever scam. A legitimate bank (credit card company, charity, or other institution) will never ask you to send sensitive information via e-mail or in an unsecured (non-password protected) web form. If you are unsure, call the institution's customer service number (do NOT use a phone number listed on a suspicious e-mail!) and ask if they are truly requesting information from you. It's better to be safe than sorry.
If you suspect that you've been the victim of a phishing scam, please refer to the Help & Advice section.
Protecting your computer and other electronic devices
Additionally, U-M's Office of Information Technology Security Services (ITSS) maintains an excellent web page pertaining to Personal Computer Security: Tips for Home, School, Labs, and More.
Monitor Your Credit
Even if you do not suspect problems, it is highly recommended that you periodically request a copy of your personal credit report and review it for accuracy. Recent federal legislation, know as the "Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act" (FACTA), now allows you to receive FREE copies of your personal reports from the three largest credit bureaus on an annual basis. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse maintains an excellent fact sheet on this topic.
In the past, victims of identity theft had to contact all three major credit-reporting agencies to report identity theft. Now, you can alert all of the credit bureaus with a single toll-free phone call to any of them. The credit bureau that receives the call will notify the other two agencies. Then, all three credit bureaus will post a "fraud alert" on your credit file within 24 hours and halt pre-approved credit card offers for two years. Several websites (including the credit bureaus) offer excellent information on monitoring your personal credit.
If you discover (or even suspect) you've been the victim of identity theft, there are several specific steps you'll need to take. See the Help & Advice section for helpful step-by-step instructions.
Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax
800-685-1111
To report fraud: 800-525-6285
Hearing impaired:
Call 1-800-255-0056 AT&T hearing impaired line. Ask the operator to call the Auto Disclosure Line at 1-800-685-1111 to obtain a copy of your report. |
Experian
888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
To report fraud: 888-397-3742
TDD: 800-972-0322 |
TransUnion
800-888-4213
To report fraud: 800-680-7289
TDD: 877-553-7803 |
Fact or Fake?
There's a lot of information—and misinformation—floating around out there! Here are some websites that can help you separate fact from fiction:
Online Scams and Consumer Alerts
Hoaxes, Stories, and Urban Legends
|
HOME
Return to Top