SWIPE, SCAM, REPEAT — Why Identity Thieves Love College Students
When college students head off to campus, they’re not just carrying backpacks and laptops—they’re often carrying a bullseye for identity thieves
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys have seen the alarming rise in identity theft cases among college-aged consumers. Thieves are targeting students with increasing precision, taking advantage of their inexperience with financial systems and their casual digital habits. Unfortunately, by the time the damage is discovered, it’s often significant.
So, what makes students such attractive targets? And what can be done about it?
The Perfect Victim: Young, Trusting, and Digitally Exposed
College students are ideal targets for identity thieves. They often have:
Clean credit histories, ripe for exploitation.
Minimal financial oversight, especially if their parents are unaware of their daily spending.
A false sense of digital security, especially on campus Wi-Fi or shared devices.
Loose habits around physical documents, such as mail or pre-approved credit card offers.
A student might not check their credit report for years—meaning fraud can go undetected long enough to cause deep financial damage.
Top Identity Theft Traps for College Students
Our attorneys routinely handle cases where identity theft stems from simple, preventable actions. Here are some of the most common missteps students make:
1. Tossing Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers Without Shredding
Students often receive a flood of pre-screened credit offers and toss them in the trash. But “dumpster divers” can retrieve these forms, fill them out, and redirect cards to a new address under the student’s name. All without the student knowing.
Best Practice: Shred all mail containing personal financial data. Better yet, opt out of prescreened offers altogether at OptOutPrescreen.com.
2. Leaving Laptops Unattended
A stolen laptop is a digital goldmine. Saved logins, access to financial portals, school accounts, and even saved tax files can all lead to a full-blown identity theft scenario.
Best Practice: Use strong passwords, enable device encryption, and never leave laptops (or phones) unattended in public or shared spaces.
3. Not Checking Bank and Credit Card Balances
Students unfamiliar with banking may not review accounts regularly, letting fraud fly under the radar. By the time they notice, the damage may already be done.
Best Practice: Set up automatic alerts for transactions and routinely check bank statements and credit reports.
4. Sharing Social Security Numbers Too Freely
Some universities still use SSNs as student ID numbers or request them on various campus forms. Students often don’t think twice about giving out this sensitive info.
Best Practice: Never provide a Social Security number unless legally required—and always ask why it’s needed.
5. Losing a Phone or Wallet
Modern wallets and phones are gateways to a student’s entire identity. With saved credit cards, payment apps, or even Social Security details, a stolen phone can be far more valuable to a thief than the device itself.
Best Practice: Enable remote wipe features and never store sensitive personal info on your devices without encryption.
What If a Student Becomes a Victim of Identity Theft?
Identity theft can destroy a student’s financial future before it even begins. If a student’s credit has been compromised—or if a credit bureau or lender refuses to correct fraudulent information—legal action may be necessary.
That’s where R23 Law’s California Identity Theft Lawyers step in.
Our attorneys are experienced in handling student identity theft cases and understand the unique hurdles that come with disputing fraudulent accounts, restoring credit, and holding data handlers accountable.
Legal Support for California Students and Parents
If you or your child has been targeted by identity thieves, you’re not alone. Identity theft can lead to:
Damaged credit reports
Student loan rejections
Fraudulent tax filings
Denied apartment applications
Long-term financial roadblocks
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys can assist with:
Disputing errors with credit reporting agencies
Suing companies that negligently exposed your data
Removing fraudulent accounts or inquiries
Pursuing damages under California’s Identity Theft laws and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Final Word: Identity Theft Doesn’t Take a Semester Off
Whether you’re a student, parent, or educational institution, awareness is key—but legal support is crucial when identity theft strikes.
Contact R23 Law today to schedule a free consultation with one of our R23 Law California Identity Theft Victim Lawyers. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and work to get your financial record back on track.
