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College students most at-risk for identity theft

College students are being urged to take steps to avoid identity theft as they head back to campus.

The Better Business Bureau issued a release Wednesday that says college students are the most at-risk group for identity theft because of their high use of social media and smartphones.

Steve Bernas is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving northern Illinois.

He says so-called “friendly fraud” makes up more than 20 percent of identity theft crimes on college campuses. Those cases involve friends, roommates and classmates who access smartphones or social media accounts without permission.

The organization recommends students keep important documents locked and have sensitive mail sent to a post office box or family home. It says credit and debit card statements should be carefully reviewed.

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