Everyone has heard stories of people who have been the victim of identity theft or property theft because they’ve divulged private information.

As tax filing time approaches, it’s important to take extra caution and to be aware that criminals steal people’s W-2, 1099-R and other tax statements to file tax returns. Criminals also try to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an email or telephone call, an activity known as phishing.

You can protect yourself from becoming a victim of phishing.

Remember to protect your login information for websites with sensitive personal information. This includes At Your Service Online and UC Path.

UC takes precautions to safeguard personal information. Added security on the At Your Service Online website will send you an email to the email address we have on record, whenever your tax statement has been viewed.

Be aware that UC will never send you an email or call you to ask for the username or password for your accounts. Likewise, the university will not email or call you for your Social Security number.

Some benefits vendors may require you to enter all or part of your Social Security number when you first register online or to reset your password. If you receive a query for personal information, call the vendor to confirm the request is legitimate before responding.

If you encounter a phishing attempt with your At Your Service Online account, report it to the Retirement Administration Service Center at 800-888-8267. If you encounter a phishing attempt with your UCPath account, please report it to the UCPath Center at 855-982-7284.

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