Avoiding Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.

Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit." - Federal Trade Commission

Please review the resources below to learn more about how to protect yourself from identity theft.

• FSAfety News - The October 2008 issue has some practical tips to help you guard against Identity Theft
• Fighting Back Against Identity Theft by the Federal Trade Commission
• What Should I Do To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Identity Theft? by the U.S. Department of Justice
• Student Aid and Identity Theft by the U.S. Department of Education
• Identity Theft Resource Center ("IRTC") - is a nonprofit, nationally respected organization dedicated exclusively to the understanding and prevention of identity theft.
• Identity Theft Resources by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a non-profit consumer and advocacy organization
• Identity Theft Information by the U.S. Social Security Administration
• Identity Theft Information by the U.S. Better Business Bureau
• Fight Identity Theft - The goal of Fight Identity Theft is to make you more aware of the risks of identity theft and to present clear steps you can take to protect yourself.

"Red Flag"  Identity  Theft Prevention  Policy

Loyola University New Orleans  has developed an Identity Theft Prevention Program pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission’s Red Flag Rules which implement Section 114 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003.

Security Advisory

On September 19, 200, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) experienced a security breach.  We would strongly encourage all students who may be impacted by this breach to take this matter seriously. Visit our LOFSA Security Breach page for more details.

Updated October 22, 2012