Identity Theft

• How will I know if my identity has been stolen?

  Some of the signs that your identity has been stolen are:

  • Receiving a credit card in the mail when you never applied for it.
  • You stop receiving your bills (someone may have issued a change of address to gain access to your mail).
  • You are denied credit when you know you have great credit.
  • A debt collector calls you about a bill you are unfamiliar with.
• Are there things I can do to help protect my identity?

  Here are some great tips for keeping your identity safe:

  • Shred any printed documents that contain any personal information.
  • Never provide personal information over the phone to someone who called you. They could be pretending to be who they say they are.
  • Use complex passwords.
  • Never write down your PIN numbers.
  • Check your credit reports often for unusual items.
• Are there things the University is doing to help protect my identity?

  Yes! In addition to the various security technologies being used on our network today, UNC has implemented a, “Red Flag,” notification visible on the Ursa home page when you log in. The purpose of the notification is to alert any UNC student or employee immediately after certain personal information has been changed on our systems. Some examples would include a change to your address, phone number, or bank account. This is to ensure that you are aware of these changes to help protect your identity. This is in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s new regulation “Identity Theft Red Flags,” which requires financial institutions and creditors to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs. You will see this red flag notification whenever you make a change to your information.

• What do I do if I feel I may have been a victim of identity theft?

  Follow these steps:

  1. Notify Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion credit bureaus.
  2. Report the crime to your local police department immediately.
  3. Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission.
  4. Contact your creditors to report the identity theft.
  5. If your credit report shows new accounts were opened in your name, contact those creditors immediately.
• Where can I test my knowledge on identity theft?

  Visit OnGuard Online's ID Theft FaceOff