Don't Be a Victim: Protect Your Money
By Matt Booher

Unfortunately, theft on college campuses occurs regularly. In most cases, the victims were careless and the perpetrator took advantage of the opportunity. Simple common sense will prevent most crimes, and taking the following additional steps can keep your money and identity safe:

• Keep your financial information in a safe place. Hiding your checkbook, wallet, and/or purse somewhere in your room may sound a little paranoid, but you'd be surprised how many people will have access to your future college dorm room. The cleaning staff, hall janitors, and resident assistants may have master keys to your room.
• If you have a lot of friends, you'll probably have people in and out of your room at various times throughout the day. And who knows what types of shady characters your roommates might bring in with them. Don't give anyone the opportunity to catch a passing glance at your money if it can be avoided—keep your money in a safe place.
• Separate your PIN numbers, social security numbers, and bank account information. Don't keep PIN numbers, your social security number, or your bank account information in your wallet or purse. Even if you lose your bank/credit cards, you can report the cards lost or stolen without giving anyone access to your accounts through PIN numbers. If you lose your ID, it'll be hard for someone to get at your money without also having easy access to your financial information—so be sure to put this information in a safe spot.
• Mail your bills, don't leave them in the mailbox. Be sure to deliver your mail directly to the mailbox or post office. Don't leave your mail in a mailroom to be sent out or picked up by the postman. Anyone could come by, grab a bill, and gain access to your checking account information, personal checking account information, and billing account information. A thief will have all the information he or she needs.
• Be cautious when purchasing merchandise over the Internet or telephone. Consider the level of security and the trustworthiness of the seller when making Internet or phone transactions. Also, use a credit card. Many debit card providers do not offer the same level of fraud protection as many credit card companies.
• Check and double check your accounts. Save receipts and then check them against your monthly statements. Make sure they match. Most financial institutions have processes in place to challenge questionable transactions.

If you think your cards, purse, and/or wallet were stolen, take action immediately. Report the information to your bank and credit card companies immediately and freeze your accounts. Call the police and file a report. It's much easier to open a new account and/or get a new card than to catch the thief.