(Radio Iowa) – Classes will start one week from today (Monday) at Iowa’s three public universities, and students who are on their own for the first time may be tempted by those plentiful credit card offers, but they’re warned to beware. Consumer advocate Lara Sutherlin says those pre-approved credit card deals often come with a lot of strings attached.  “Some of these offers may look really good,” Sutherlin says, “but they also can include really high annual percentage rates — APRs, or hidden fees that can increase the amount that you owe, if you’re not careful.”

Sutherlin says even taking one of those “fantastic plastic” offers could affect your credit score.  “You should really think clearly about whether you want a credit card or whether you need more than one,” she says. “It’s probably unlikely at that stage in the game.” Sutherlin says many businesses will offer credit cards to college kids who aren’t truly ready to handle having that sort of easy access to money.

“Be very wary of those credit card companies that are posting up at your colleges and trying to encourage you to take out one or two credit cards,” Sutherlin says. “They may have high APRs and they may have high interest.” Sutherlin says if you do need a credit card, you should shop around at trusted banks that you or your parents have used in the past, and make sure to shred or rip up credit card junk mail.