College students common targets for identity thieves

(Erie) — Advocates for financial security are urging college students to be on the lookout for identity theft as they head back to campus.

The Federal Trade Commission reports college students are often targeted for identity theft or other financial fraud.

Joseph Vahey is a product manager at Erie Insurance.

He says they’re often seen as lucrative targets.

“College students usually have very good credit, and they’re exposed to many situations where their credit can be stolen,” Vahey says. “They’re always being purused for new credit cards. They just are much more vulnerable to identity theft.”

Vahey says parents should encourage their children to resist easy credit offers.

He also recommends using different passwords for multiple online accounts and services.

Anti-virus software can help prevent identity theft on both computers and smart phones.