Identity Theft Prevention

Follow the tips below to reduce your risk of identity theft when applying for Financial Aid:

• Use fafsa.gov to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. When you exit the FAFSA site, close the browser so session cookies are automatically deleted.
• Don’t give your FSA ID to anyone, even if that person is helping you fill out the FAFSA form.
• Review your financial aid offers; keep track of the amount of financial aid you applied for and the amounts you received.
• Keep receipts and documents (for example, credit applications or offers, checks, and bank statements) with personal information in a safe place, and shred them when you are finished with them.
• Beware of student loan repayment scams that request upfront costs or fees.
• Never give personal information over the phone or the internet unless you made the contact. If you have questions about your financial aid, ask your college or contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at customerservice@studentaid.gov or 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
• Immediately report all lost or stolen identification to the issuer (e.g., the credit card company or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles) and to the police, if appropriate.