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UCF InfoSec Advisory—Students, Protect Yourself Against ID Theft

Recently, the IRS has seen an increase in fraudulent unemployment claims using stolen identities.  The UCF Information Security Office (InfoSec) would like to share information with the UCF community on ways to recognize and combat the constant threat of identity theft.

  1. Stay alert for signs of identity theft:
    • Receiving an incorrect Form 1099-G showing unemployment benefits for which you did not apply or receive; • Rejection of your e-filed tax return because a return using the same Social Security number has already been filed; • Finding unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
  1. Consider these steps to protect against identity theft:
    • Protect your accounts with Multi-Factor Authentication wherever it’s offered.
    • Always shred documents containing your personal information before disposing of them. High-security micro-cut shredders offer better protection over strip-cut shredders.
    • Whenever asked to provide your Social Security number, challenge the request and ask if it’s required. You may be able to provide a different kind of identifier.
    • Be careful when sharing information on social media, and never post your full name, Social Security number, or account numbers on publicly accessible sites.
    • You can request an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS. This PIN will prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin
    • Consider freezing your credit report. It’s free and lasts until you remove it: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs
  1. Take the following steps if you are a victim of identity theft:
    • Visit https://www.identitytheft.gov/ to report it and get a recovery plan.
    • Be sure to check for any new accounts opened in your name. When closing accounts that were opened fraudulently, ask the fraud department of the business to provide you with a letter confirming that the fraudulent account isn’t yours. Save this letter in case the account appears on your credit report later.

Cyber criminals, especially identity thieves, are always actively searching for an opportunity to steal your personal information.  For more tips and resources to help you protect yourself online, please visit https://infosec.ucf.edu/awareness/student-security-guidelines/ . If you have any questions that are not answered on our site, please contact us at infosec@ucf.edu . Stay safe and secure!