The West Virginia University Department of Public Safety is warning students to be on guard against identity theft.

There have been two recently reported incidents involving an unidentified phone caller asking students for their date of birth and Social Security number, said Lt. Randy Friend. The caller says he represents a legitimate credit card company and that he will help students obtain a credit card.

E-mails are also circulating that appear legitimate and instruct students to change their user password or update their personal information for a legitimate site or business, Friend added. The e-mail may have a link that will take users directly to a site that looks like a legitimate business site. This is another scam that can be used to steal peoples identities and ruin their credit.

Identity theft is a fast-growing national problem. In some cases of identity theft, it may take months or even years before the damage to a persons credit is found.

Most people wouldnt give a stranger their name, Social Security number, address, phone number, credit card number or other personal information,Friend said.But sometimes we share information, or fail to protect this information that should be safeguarded against falling into the wrong hands.

Friend suggests the following steps for thwarting identity theft:

• Dont ever give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet, unless you have initiated the contact and are extremely sure about the person you are dealing with

• Memorize your Social Security number and dont carry your card with you

• Be wary of promotional scams as identity thieves may use phony offers to get you to give them your personal information

• Protect your identity, and if you suspect you have been scammed or have been a victim of any crime on campus, contact DPS at 293-COPS