Spring Break
Errors in bills should be reported
Students should manage spending, be aware of theft
Lindsey Lewandowski
Issue date: 3/14/05 Section: Money
When someone called freshman Rachel Berns at 7:30 a.m. about a month ago to confirm an order, she said she didn't think much of it, as she had ordered a book for class through the Internet using an ATM card.
She became suspicious when the caller knew her address.
And when the caller asked for her social security number, she said it - but changed one number.
Berns' next two phone calls were to her mom and US Bank in her hometown of Minnetonka, Minn.
Coincidentally, freshman Natalie Judd, Berns' high school friend, received a similar call. Although, when she asked the caller for a name and phone number, all she got in return was a dial tone.
"Now that that happened, I've been a lot more scared even to put my social security number on forms," Berns said.
In a time when students receive an influx of mail from credit card companies, they should be aware of how to properly use the card and how to avoid identity theft.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is when someone uses someone else's personal information, such as their social security number, name or other identifying information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity thefts may also involve credit card numbers.
Berns said she doesn't trust using credit card or check card numbers when buying online and that she's scared to sign up for credit cards.
"I don't want to get in debt," she said.
When she finds mail from credit card companies, she said she recycles it. And, from the front desk in Governors Hall where she works once a week, she sees similar envelopes every day in trash cans near mailboxes.
She became suspicious when the caller knew her address.
And when the caller asked for her social security number, she said it - but changed one number.
Berns' next two phone calls were to her mom and US Bank in her hometown of Minnetonka, Minn.
Coincidentally, freshman Natalie Judd, Berns' high school friend, received a similar call. Although, when she asked the caller for a name and phone number, all she got in return was a dial tone.
| "Those who are weak will say, 'OK, I'll use this credit card and hopefully be able to pay it when the bill comes.' " -Chuck Major Director of Housing and Residence Life |
"Now that that happened, I've been a lot more scared even to put my social security number on forms," Berns said.
In a time when students receive an influx of mail from credit card companies, they should be aware of how to properly use the card and how to avoid identity theft.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is when someone uses someone else's personal information, such as their social security number, name or other identifying information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity thefts may also involve credit card numbers.
Berns said she doesn't trust using credit card or check card numbers when buying online and that she's scared to sign up for credit cards.
"I don't want to get in debt," she said.
When she finds mail from credit card companies, she said she recycles it. And, from the front desk in Governors Hall where she works once a week, she sees similar envelopes every day in trash cans near mailboxes.
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