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Identity theft is one of the most dangerous kinds of crime out there, especially for students and young professionals just getting started in their careers. One way to protect yourself from being targeted by identity thieves is to avoid giving out your personal information whenever possible. This advice article will show you how to protect your identity while you’re still in school. 

Five ways to avoid identity theft
1. Keep your Social Security number to yourself. Your SSN is the key to your financial identity, so don’t carry it around in your wallet or write it on checks.

2. Be careful what you post online. Posting personal information such as your name, address, phone number and school email address can lead to identity theft.

3. Install anti-virus software on your computer and make sure you update it regularly.

4. Never give out your password, even if someone asks nicely.

5. Don’t use public computers or wireless networks that aren’t encrypted. These types of computers are prime targets for hackers because they are unsecured and often don’t have security protection installed. Best Fake ID has several options for students including laminated IDs with Holograms and an HD Hidden UV text with a generic design.

Seven measures to take when your ID is stolen
If you think your identity has been stolen, there are a few steps you should take immediately:

1. Contact the credit reporting agencies and place a fraud alert on your credit report.

2. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened without your permission.

3. File a police report.

4. Contact the Federal Trade Commission and file a complaint.

5. Notify creditors of fraudulent charges made in your name.

6. Ask to have your Social Security number changed.

7. Consider placing a credit freeze on your account to prevent more damage from being done if you can’t close the account right away.

Four ways to protect your online accounts

1. Use a strong, unique password for each of your online accounts.

2. Don’t use easily guessed words or personal information in your passwords.

3. Make sure to use two-factor authentication when possible. For example, with Gmail you can use an app like Google Authenticator that generates codes you enter every time you log in. That way if someone does get your username and password, they won’t be able to log in without the second code. 

4. Update all of your software regularly.

What to do if you are a victim

If you are a victim of identity theft, the best thing to do is to contact your local law enforcement and file a report. You should also take steps to protect your information, like changing your passwords and monitoring your credit report.