Credit Cards Blog

In today's society identity theft is a major concern. With students opening student credit cards and, frankly, just starting their credit history, it is very important to learn about identity theft and what you can do about it.

Identity theft is the using of one’s personal information and credit card information to open an account, credit card, or make purchases under an individual’s name without said person’s consent.

There are ways to find out if you are the victim of identity theft. First, you can review your credit card statement every month, for charges you don’t recognize. Second, you can request your free credit report to check on your credit and review your credit score. Now, let’s say that you find a charge or an issue that you don’t recognize: red flag! What should you do?

1) Contact your credit card company and tell them that you did not authorize the charge
2) Review past statements to make sure you did not miss past charges
3) Cancel your credit card because most likely it has been compromised

It is best to keep track of all of your finances, and as students, it is important to learn how to do this as soon as possible. You’ll help yourself out in the long-run and be able to help our your friends that aren’t as ardent with their finances as you are.