While socializing or shopping in person or on the Internet might be a part of people’s daily routines, I can’t help but wonder if some of them are even aware of the serious problems that exist from releasing too much personal information in conversations, over the counter, or on the internet. My concern is for people who may be careless without even realizing that they’re creating a crisis that will take a very long time to resolve.
The first and most important advice is to never give out your social security number on the phone, in person, or over the Internet. Now, I realize that there are exceptions to this rule; for example, when filling out college, banking, and employment forms, purchasing a vehicle, or completing an apartment lease. So, in these types of situations, you need to carefully monitor and control the situation by only providing it when it’s absolutely necessary to do so. You should always know why and for what purpose your social security number is being requested, before writing it down, releasing it over the phone, or providing it on an Internet form.
Never carry an original social security card, piece of paper, or correspondence with the number on it, because the chance of losing it or having someone else see it could happen. Handbags and wallets have been known to get lost, stolen, or rifled through; so don’t take any chances. Keep your social security number a secret and don’t share it with anyone.
It might also be wise not to give out specific details, such as your birth date, address, town, and phone numbers. Try not to lose control in releasing personal information to people that really don’t need it or shouldn’t have it. Many people have telephone plans that charge a fee for every call made and received, so limit or take precautions as to who is storing your cell phone number and using it. If you should receive an anonymous call, ask them (nicely) to remove your number from their contact directory, and that you will do the same; seeing as they just called you and their number is now stored in Calls Received.
Never give out someone’s telephone number without their permission; it’s simply good manners (and, again, you may help prevent unnecessary charges on someone’s phone bill). So, if someone asks you for another student’s cell phone number, the best thing to do is write down their number and contact your friend. Tell your friend that this person wants to speak with them and that you have their phone number to reach them. This way, when they do connect, your friend will decide whether or not they would like to release or share their phone number with this person. The same advice may also be used for private e-mail addresses. Ask friends to refrain from sharing personal information without your permission, and you will do the same for them!
It takes work and precaution to avoid the pitfalls of losing personal information in order to prevent identify theft or lose your privacy completely while at college. Remember to always lock your dorm door behind you, whether you leave the building, walk the corridors, or visit the bathroom to take a shower. Do not leave handbags, wallets, or mail in plain sight when people are in your room; some things are meant to be kept private.
Also, remember that your Falcon Card is a very important tool because it allows the holder to access and enter buildings, spend Falcon Funds, which may be loaded on the card, and have the opportunity to take a snapshop of your Bentley I.D. picture. Let’s hope that the holder is always the person the card was issued for, in the first place!
Guard your personal belongings in order to prevent the hassle and frustration of replacing personal information, if it’s stolen. Be vigilant!