The Federal Trade Commission has released their calendar of events for Identity Theft Awareness Week observed this year on January 31 through February 4.

To help you stay ahead of the criminal minds this tax season, the University of Texas Police at Houston (UT Police) is offering an Identity Theft Awareness safety presentation on Thurs., Feb. 3 at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom.

This one-hour course teaches attendees about various kinds of identity theft, ways to protect against identity theft and the impact identity theft can have on its victims. The course also discusses action steps and resources for victims of the crime.

Identity Theft Awareness Week comes at a time when large-scale identity thefts are impacting community members, according to UT Police reports. 

In advance of the tax season, UT Police has received reports from MD Anderson employees that have fallen victim to identity theft. In these incidents, victims have reported receiving notices from their banks that accounts have been opened in their name when they have made no such requests.

If you believe you’ve been victim of identity theft, UT Police advises you to check your personal credit report and report the identity theft immediately to UT Police (713) 792-2890 or your local law enforcement agency.

“Tax season is 'prime time' for identity thieves,” said Community Outreach Officer Manuel Leston. “I look forward to raising awareness during this time and advancing our shared purpose of prevention, preparedness and protection.”