CFA: beware of 'friendly fraud'

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - College students are falling victim to '"friendly fraud" on campus, where someone they know steals their identity.

According to the Better Business Bureau , the 18-24 age group has the highest rate of identity theft. Part of the problem, the bureau said, is that many college-age young adults are far too trustworthy with their personal information.

The bureau found that 14 percent of identity theft is "friendly fraud." It is a major problem on college campuses with so many people often living under a single roof.

Call 12 for Action recommends college students take these steps to protect their identity:

• Mail containing personal information should be sent to their parents' address or post office box, since dorm mailboxes are not always secure.
• Important documents should be left at home.
• Do not share credit cards, and make sure the password is hard to figure out.
• Do not share computers.
• Outgoing mail should be dropped off at USPS mailbox.