Help prevent identity theft using these simple tips.
By Anthony Botello
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Cpl. Shyla York of campus police used her card to buy lunch in the cafeteria last year when all of the campus’ systems were hacked. Suddenly she discovered online purchases she never made and her money was gone.
What can be done to prevent this?
Never give anyone your PIN and don’t shop online unless it’s a trusted website, York said.
Never carry your Social Security card, she said.
If someone steals your wallet, they will have all your information and will be able to easily steal your identity.
Think about what you post on social media, especially sensitive information, such as addresses and phone numbers.
Don’t post “hey I’m going on vacation!” York warned. That could make it easy for someone to come to your house, rob you and steal vital information and your identity.
Don’t give out your Social Security number unless it’s absolutely necessary. Notify your bank immediately if there are any weird transactions you don’t recognize, York advised.
“It’s all about being careful, but you can’t 100 percent stop it from happening,” York said.
She suggests checking ac-counts often and putting them on hold immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Visit www.alamo.edu/main.aspx?id=7254 for information on security, including securing Internet connection, firewalls, phishing and email hoaxes, filesharing and copywriting, password protection, physical device security, virus protection and wireless security. Email abuse@alamo.edu or call 210-485-0555.