CHARLESTON – West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is warning students who are heading back to the classroom to take the necessary steps to protect their personal, identifiable information from scammers.

Unfortunately, identity theft can cause lasting problems for a victim. Students should always be wary if a website, person online, or salesperson asks for their personal information. Scammers know that the best way to reach new victims is through social media, so be wary of any private messages you receive from people you don’t know, or messages and posts that offer things that sound too good to be true.

Additionally, if you live in a dorm or apartment with a commons area, always make sure you secure your private information.

“Protecting your identity and information from scammers is a constant problem,” Attorney General Morrisey. “Fortunately for students and consumers there are some good ways to prevent their information from falling in the wrong hands.”

Students should remember the following tips to protect their identity:

* Shred any and all documents that have your personal information on it.

* Keep your Social Security number safe. Never carry your Social Security card with you and only give out your Social Security number when absolutely necessary.

* Never click on links in unsolicited emails.

* Your computer is an easy way to lose your identity so use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your computer, especially if using public, unrestricted wi-fi.

Those who believe they may have been the victim of identity theft are asked to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808 or visitwww.ago.wv.gov.