It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
That can be true in many aspects of life, but especially when it comes to protecting personal data such as your name, date of birth, Social Security number, bank, and credit card information.
Some tips to keep in mind:
- Complete the FAFSA using https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and not through a link sent to you by an unknown sender.
- When you’re done completing the FAFSA or any form online, make sure to exit the application and close the browser.
- Don’t share username and passwords with anyone, including your FSA ID username and password.
- Unless you initiate the contact, don’t give out personal information over the phone or internet.
- Before you provide personal information to a company or organization, review their privacy policy.
- Shred – don’t throw in the trash – all documents that include personally identifiable information when you no longer need them.
- Make sure to keep your information safe, including your driver’s license and credit cards, by not leaving your purse or wallet unattended.
- Report any lost or stolen cards to the credit card companies, Department of Motor Vehicles, etc.
- It’s important to note that artificial intelligence is very good at spoofing people and companies and can be very convincing. It’s important to verify everything. If someone calls you with alarming news, it may be in your best interest to hang up the phone. Then, call the police or someone you can trust to verify the news. Or better yet, if you don’t recognize the number calling you, don’t answer it. Often, these criminals or spammers won’t leave a message but if they do, again, make sure you verify any information with a trusted third party.
Taking these simple precautions will keep your information safe and help you avoid identity theft.
