They’re preying on college students for identity theft. Fresno State is warning students not to give out their personal information. In a growing problem on campus, individuals and groups are posing as legitimate businesses to get the home addresses, social security numbers and more from students.
Even though Fresno State is where students go to receive a higher education, what some are learning is the harsh reality of life. Fresno State police say several students have fallen for a scam.
“They realized they either purchased something that really wasn't real and they gave them all their information. When I say information; drivers license, social security number, address and phone number,” said Lt. Lupe Shrum, a 24-year-veteran of the Fresno State police force.
It started last semester, and Lt. Shrum says university police confronted several people just this week. They were allegedly selling magazines and signing people up for Green Peace.
“We don't know if they were working with one another but they were two different companies. And most of them were out of state so when you run their license, they're not even from California,” said Lt. Shrum.
Some students say the trend is frightening, but hope most people would know better.
“If they were asking for my social security number, I wouldn't give it out or my address or anything like that,” said Juvenal Moctezuma, a sophomore at Fresno State.
Police say one way to tell whether someone is approved to be on campus, is if they have a permit issued by the student union.
“Honestly I didn't know they have to have a permit to be here. Maybe if students knew that it wouldn't be happening as often,” said freshman Erica Garcia.
Fresno State says it never allows people to come onto campus to sell things to students. If you have information about this case, call 664-3204 or text fresnostate@tipnow.org
