Representatives from PNC Bank ran an on-campus seminar on Monday afternoon informing audience members about ways to avoid and deal with identity theft.
Greencastle residents and faculty members discussed their security habits as Valerie Romberg, PNC bank's workplace financial sales consultant, highlighted common scenarios that result in identity theft. Romberg explained that it is virtually impossible to ensure that one does not become a victim of identity theft, but she said there are steps that can be taken to minimize the likelihood.
According to Identity Hawk website, college students ages 18- 22 are the single largest demographic affected by identity theft, as 34 percent of students become victims of the crime. Elderly adults are also a prime target for identity theft. Romberg said that personal information can be obtained though stolen mail, stolen wallets or purses and even through improperly disposed mail that still possesses personal information.
Keeping social security numbers, account password information and birth certificates on your person while commuting also increases the risk of handing an identity over to a thief. Romberg said that simply placing wallets or purses that hold personal information out of sight still presents thieves with an easy way in.
"[Thieves are] not necessarily coming in to [steal] just to do it," Romberg said. "It's usually because you presented them an opportunity."
Unfortunately, storing personal items is only the bare minimum way of preventing identity theft. Identity theft can occur without the victim even knowing.
Senior Jason Edelman described his experience as a victim of fraudulent credit card activity overseas. Edelman explained that at the time his card was charged, he hadn't been out of the country in two years. Edelman now uses cash to pay for items and utilizes his credit card less in order to prevent himself from being a victim of identity theft again.
Romberg suggests regularly checking credit and debit card activity for any unusual charges. She also says that using a secure browser and a separate low balance checking account for online shopping could help decrease the exposure of personal information.
Card skimming is another way that identity theft is committed. Skimming is when a person's card information is saved by an intruder and is used for other purchasing transactions. This information is extracted when a customer swipes their card in an establishment. After the card information is saved, the thief uses it to process and buy other things.
Junior Reed Jaeger said he believes that he experienced theft through card skimming at Kork & Keg liquor store in Greencastle. Currently, there are investigations looking into identity theft at Kork & Keg, but Jaeger said he remembers how shocked and angry he initially was.
"It's always a hassle to try to get your money back," Jaeger said. "This is the first time it's happening to me but I had to go through a lot of paper work a lot of steps to get it back."
Romberg emphasized the importance of filing a report when one becomes a victim of identity theft, despite the long process often involved. Romberg said to close any accounts that you suspect to be affected by fraudulent activity and inform creditors about any identity theft issues.
Still, Edelman and Jaeger try to stay cautious while making credit or debit card purchases, and suggest others to do the same.
"Don't take any chances," Jaeger said. "Just use cash."