As the fall semester begins, credit card companies are sending out their representatives to try to recruit college students. From T-shirts to food to jewelry, students are drawn in by free products and oftentimes disregard the potential risks.

In signing up for an unnecessary number of credit cards, however, students run the risk of buying more than they can afford — and of having their identity stolen.

The number of identity theft cases continues to rise on an annual basis, and it is becoming increasingly common for some private and public groups to take the initiative to warn students.

"Identity theft is the fastest growing white-collar crime," said Oren Milgram, director of student affairs for StudentMarket.com, a college resource product and service provider.

Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) intends to increase UW students' awareness of identity theft this semester and suggest ways to prevent their identities from being stolen.

Janet Jenkins, administrator for the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection, said DATCP is targeting students in part because 32 percent of all victims of identity theft are between the ages of 18 and 29.

"Since there are approximately 10 million victims of identity theft each year, the number of young adults who have their identities stolen, many of whom are in college, is huge," Jenkins added. "More than three million."

According to Milgram, a college campus isn't necessarily "the safest place" to make transactions.

"Students should be cognizant of how technology can be used to steal their identity," he said.

Milgram noted, for example, that camera phones allow identity thieves to quickly snap a picture of a student's personal information as they fill out an application.

"We believe it's safer to do transactions online through a trusted website rather than through campus representatives where there are a lot of people around," Milgram said, adding students should limit how much personal information they make available in general.

Jenkins agreed and emphasized that the most important thing students can do is to secure their personal information.

"This means not carrying around credit/debit cards, social security cards or bank account information with you unless you really need it," she said. "Have good security software on your computer, [do] not leave personal information lying around and [do] not give your personal information out unless you're sure that the person [or] company requesting it is legitimate."

In particular, Milgram said giving out personal data through e-mail should be avoided.

"Students should make sure an organization is really who they say they are," he said. "Most legitimate organizations will not ask for personal information through e-mails."

When working online, DATCP recommends that students use passwords that are unlikely to be guessed, avoid leaving computers unattended in libraries and dormitories, be careful about letting others borrow a laptop, and maintain good security software.

DATCP also suggests students be careful when they mail a check or other personal information. Mailing from a secure location, it says, is a lot safer than mailing from an open box marked "outgoing mail."

Reinen said investing in a shredder will allow students to avoid leaving loose receipts and bank statements lying around.

Milgram also suggested that students keep track of their credit history in order to catch thieves before their entire identity is stolen.

"Students can obtain a free credit report once annually," Milgram added.

DATCP says each of the nation's three major credit reporting agencies will provide this service, allowing students to obtain their credit reports at no charge three times per year.