With classes, relationships and extracurricular activities, college students already have enough to worry about.

But a majority of college students are also in the target range for identity theft.

The likelihood of identity theft is highest for people aged 18 to 24

To help students become more aware of the dangers of identity theft and the potential of it leading to money troubles, Eastern will feature a presentation on the dangers of identity theft and how to prevent it from happening.

“I thought it happened to me once,” said senior math major Chris Pontecore. “I had to cancel my bank card and apply again (and) start all over with a new account.”

The presentation will take place in Room 2020 in Lumpkin Hall. It will focus on strategies for students to protect themselves.

Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.

Social security numbers, bank accounts, credit card numbers and telephone calling card numbers are a few of the ways identity theft can be achieved.

“I don’t know much about identity theft, but I do know I’m afraid of it,” said Kenyatta Johnson, freshman elementary education major. “I know that if you go online, you put all your information out there – that’s why I don’t do it.”

Congress’ attempt to prevent identity theft reached a turning point in 1998 when it created the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act.

“Luckily for me, I don’t know anyone it has happened to; I don’t put my information online,” Johnson said.