LifeLock® identity theft protection helps proactively safeguard your credit, your finances and your good name with vigilant services that alert you of potential threats before the damage is done. If identity thieves steal your personal information, they could take out a mortgage, commit tax fraud, open new credit accounts and a whole lot more.
Resume is business, not personal: Your Social Security number (SSN), date of birth, driver’s license number, marital status, full address, professional license number, gender and age should not be included in your resume. Information such as this can be provided upon request from an employer.
Job search websites: As always, use different passwords for these sites. Most job search sites also have privacy settings, and make sure you are not sharing too much personal information with employers. It’s best to be proactive and look for openings, only sharing personal information when you decide to apply for a job. Research companies on the internet and make sure everything corresponds with the information in the ad before responding.
Be vigilant: Look for email addresses that do not contain the domain name of the company. Make sure you research a “wanted ad” thoroughly before responding. Don’t divulge your SSN in your resume or if they call you for a phone interview. (Politely ask the interviewer why they need it. Before sending, call the company and make sure the interviewer works there.) In most cases, personal information is not relevant until you get to the in person stage of the interview process.
Background checks: While it occurs later in the interview process, a negative background check can mean an abrupt end of the line. If there are any issues, ask if it’s possible to see the results of the background check and look for inaccuracies. You may want to proactively do your own check. If you find any inaccuracies, notify the HR department and ask for a few days to look into the problem.
Watch your accounts: It may not be the most uplifting practice to check your bank and credit card accounts regularly when you are graduating. However, the faster you spot wrongful transactions, the less likely you are to be held liable for them.
Watch your credit score: Most recent graduates are just beginning to build credit and aren’t concerned with their credit score. But thieves can open credit in your name which could have disastrous effects down the road. It’s important to keep an eye on your credit report and watch for changes in your score.
Active monitoring: For peace of mind, grads could even ask for an identity theft protection service as a graduation gift.
Networking: Grads also find themselves spending many evenings at networking events. Same rules apply here as well about sharing information to register and for follow up about potential hot job opportunities.
Other possible tips for lifestyle:
Change of scenery: Recent grads also find themselves moving into new quarters and sometimes even back to old ones. No matter what, grads should be sure not to leave old documents behind that contain personal information and everything should be shredded that is discarded. Also, mail should be promptly forwarded.
Social media: One should always be careful what they are sharing on social media sites, but graduation marks a good time to really take a closer look.
Refinancing: A lot of grads will be looking at refinancing their student loans and offers to do so will be arriving via mail and email. Grads should take a really close look at who the offer is from and what information is being requested. Always make sure it is a valid and reputable resource before supplying any information. A best practice is to reach out to the institution via a listed phone number and verify the information.
Protection – www.lifelock.com
LifeLock® identity theft protection helps proactively safeguard your credit, your finances and your good name with vigilant services that alert you of potential threats before the damage is done. If identity thieves steal your personal information, they could take out a mortgage, commit tax fraud, open new credit accounts and a whole lot more.†
