Every two weeks the Financial Fitness program at DePaul provides tips via e-mail for students on how to be smart and careful with their money. In addition to e-mail messages, the Financial Fitness program provides one-on-one financial counseling and group workshops on a wide range of money matters.

CDM will be hosting on a workshop on Thursday, October 23rd "Debt 101: Credit Card and Loan Basics" at 4:00 p.m.  Debt 101 will take place in the 2nd floor student lounge of the CDM building.

RSVP by contacting Jaclyn Musselman jmusselman@cdm.depaul.edu or through MYCDM.

Take a look at the latest money tip:

Beware of latest phishing scam!

As always, identity theft is an issue that everyone should guard against. Identity thieves devise new and creative ways to steal our information regularly. Well the new ploy this season deals with voter registration. The majority of the phishing scams have been conducted online via emails, but other approaches include phone calls, in person or by postal mail. The thieves either offer an opportunity to register to vote, ask you to confirm your registration or note that there is a problem. For example with online attempts, the email mimics a legitimate entity and includes a link to click. Once clicked malicious software is downloaded onto your computer or you are taken to a fake website designed to capture personal or financial information. They are trying to con individuals into divulging very important information such as Social Security numbers, bank account data and credit card information.

Here are some tips for safe voter registration:

·         The safest way is to turn in forms yourself, never to a third party. Go to www.eac.gov/voter or contact your local election commission for further instructions.

·         Check out the instructions for your state's voter registration through this link: www.eac.gov/voter/Register%20to%20Vote. Depending on your state, you may or may not have to provide your SSN or part of it. Know before you register whether it is required by law.

·         NEVER provide your bank or credit card information!

·         Don't register to vote or verify personal information over the phone or via email. Registration has to be done in person or via U.S. Postal Service.

Brenda Williams, M.Ed., A.F.C.
Associate Director, Financial Fitness

For more information and financial tips, visit http://financialfitness.depaul.edu.