The Division of Consumer Protection has offered tips to help keep kids safe as they return to school.
Identity theft is a major concern right now and has increased by 85% in New York State from 2019 to 2020.
The following tips can help protect a student from having their identity stolen:
Books, bags and anything else should be labeled with a students name only on the inside.
When registering kids for after school programs or sports, be mindful of the information being given out.
Register children’s phones on the National Do Not Call Registry.
Check their social media.
Talk about using the internet and staying safe.
Utilize two-factor authorization.
For college students, other safety precautions should be factored in, including checking their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, knowing where emergency exits are, not overloading electrical outlets, and knowing what to do in an emergency.
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