Students and Identity Theft
Students share housing, send documents for jobs and accommodation, and are new to managing money, which makes them targets for identity theft. Practical protections for students.
University and college bring independence, new accounts and a lot of paperwork. They also bring identity risks: shared housing where post goes astray, ID documents sent to landlords and employers, and a credit record nobody is watching yet. A few habits keep your identity safe while you study.
Common risks for students
- Shared housing and post: letters with bank details or new cards can be picked up by others. See mail theft.
- Documents sent for jobs and flats: fake landlords and recruiters collect ID. See protecting ID copies.
- Student loan and grant fraud: fake portals collect login details.
- Money mule offers: "easy cash" for letting someone use your account. See money mule recruitment.
- Shared devices and Wi-Fi: logins left open on shared computers.
Protections
- Keep your passport and ID locked away, and watermark copies you send. See watermarking documents.
- Go paperless for bank statements, with strong passwords and two-step verification.
- Use a lockable mailbox or collect post promptly.
- Log out of shared computers, and never save passwords on them.
- Use student finance and university portals only through official addresses.
- Check your credit record once a year where available. See checking your credit record.
When moving out
- Update your address with your bank, university, employer and government services.
- Set up mail forwarding.
- Shred papers you do not take with you.
Never let anyone use your bank account, even a friend. If money passes through it, you may be held responsible.
Got a message about student finance or a job? Paste it into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check.
Related: scams targeting students. For more, read our guide to identity theft and account security.
Frequently asked questions
Why are students targeted?
They often share housing and post, move frequently, send ID documents for jobs and accommodation, and may not check credit records yet.
What should I do with post when I move out?
Update your address with your bank, university and government services, and set up official mail forwarding if available.
Is 'lending' my bank account to someone a risk?
Yes. It can make you a money mule and involve you in fraud. Never let anyone else use your account.
Sources
- What To Know About Identity Theft, US Federal Trade Commission
- Paying for School and Avoiding Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- Job Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
