DEO CONNECT PIN reset impossible - wrong security questions and email on account

OMG the exact same thing happened to me last month! Someone somehow got into my account and changed all my security info. I think theres a data breach they arent telling us about. I tried for WEEKS to get help and nobody would do anything until I threatened to call my state representative. So frustrating!!!!!

This is a security issue that unfortunately happens quite often. The DEO has specific procedures for this situation, but you need to reach an actual person to verify your identity. Try these steps: 1. Call the DEO directly at 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) 2. Choose the option for PIN resets/account issues 3. Have your driver's license, SSN, and claim ID ready (if you have it) 4. Explain that the security questions aren't yours and you need identity verification They'll likely need to escalate to a supervisor who can manually verify you and reset everything. Email responses won't work for this type of security situation - you need to speak with someone directly.

try goin to a career source office in person they can sometimes help with this stuff if u bring proper ID

The DEO is absolutely TERRIBLE at responding to these issues! I had the same problem and spent 3 WEEKS trying to get it fixed. They kept closing my tickets without any actual help. The system is designed to make you give up. You need to keep submitting the forms AND call every single day. Their phone system is deliberately designed to block most callers - they don't have enough staff and don't care about claimants. I finally got it fixed after filing a complaint with the Governor's office. Suddenly they cared about my problem!

I work with claimants dealing with DEO issues, and this PIN reset with wrong security info is unfortunately common. Here's the correct process: 1. You need to submit Form RA-BPR (Benefit Payment Request - Account Reset) specifically 2. In the form, clearly state that you believe the security questions were changed without your authorization 3. Include copies of your ID and a utility bill with your name/address 4. Indicate you suspect identity theft/fraudulent account changes However, waiting for form processing can take 4-6 weeks currently due to backlog. The fastest solution is always talking to a live agent who can verify your identity on the spot and reset everything. I'd recommend using Claimyr to connect with a DEO agent quickly. It's a service that gets you through to a live person at DEO without the endless busy signals. Their site is claimyr.com and you can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj Mention the security question issue immediately and ask for a supervisor who can handle account recovery. They'll need to verify your identity through alternative means since the security questions aren't yours.

If they can verify your identity during the call (which they usually can with proper documentation), they should be able to reset your PIN immediately. The key is getting to a tier 2 agent who has the authority to make these changes. Just be prepared with multiple forms of ID and any previous DEO correspondence you might have.

I had this exact problem!! turns out someone had hacked my account. I had to go to the office IN PERSON with my birth certificate, drivers license, and social security card. took all day but they fixed it that day. They told me this is happening alot lately so theyre used to it

not the actual DEO office, i went to careersource florida! they have access to connect and can fix some stuff. bring all ur documents!! and get there early cuz theres always a line

Just to address the question about Claimyr - it's a legitimate service that many claimants use. They don't work for the DEO; they provide a technical solution to get through the overwhelmed phone system. You're still talking directly to actual DEO agents. You're right that it should be free to contact unemployment, but the reality is Florida's system is severely understaffed. Many people find the service worth it rather than spending weeks trying to get through on their own. Regarding CareerSource, that's also excellent advice. They can help with many issues, though for security breaches specifically, they sometimes need to refer more complex cases to DEO specialists. Still worth trying both approaches.

wat about twitter? i got help once by messaging florida deo on twitter

UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service and actually got through to someone at DEO! The agent confirmed someone had changed my security questions (likely fraud). They had to transfer me to a supervisor, but after verifying my identity with my driver's license number, last employer details, and some other personal info, they were able to reset my PIN and security questions. They said there's been a big increase in these issues lately and they're working on better security. For anyone else dealing with this - definitely worth getting through to a real person rather than waiting for email responses that never come. Thank you all for the help and suggestions!

About 45 minutes total, but most of that was the verification process and waiting for a supervisor. The actual fix just took a few minutes once I got to the right person. Way better than the weeks I was waiting with no response to my forms!

This is exactly why I tell everyone to screenshot their security questions and answers when they first set up their CONNECT account! I've seen this happen to so many people and it's always a nightmare to fix. For future reference, you should also regularly check your account settings to make sure nothing has been changed without your knowledge. The DEO's security is pretty weak unfortunately. Glad you got it sorted out through Claimyr! That service has been a lifesaver for so many people dealing with Florida's broken unemployment system. The fact that we have to pay a third party just to reach our own state agencies is ridiculous, but at least it works.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My security questions were also changed without my knowledge and I've been stuck for over a week trying to get help. Reading through these comments, it sounds like calling or going in person is really the only way to get this resolved quickly. I'm curious - for those who successfully got their PIN reset, did you have to provide any specific documentation beyond your ID? I want to make sure I have everything ready before I try calling. Also, has anyone noticed if certain times of day are better for getting through to the DEO phone system? This whole situation is so frustrating. It's scary how easily someone can apparently change your security info and lock you out of your own account. The DEO really needs to improve their security measures!

The same thing happened to my sister a few months ago! Turns out there was some kind of data breach or hack that affected a bunch of accounts. She tried everything - forms, emails, even social media - but nothing worked until she physically went to a CareerSource office. She brought her birth certificate, driver's license, Social Security card, and a recent bank statement. The staff there were really helpful and could see in the system that her security questions had been changed by someone else. They couldn't fix it directly but they were able to escalate it properly and she got a call back from DEO within 2 days. The CareerSource route might be worth trying before paying for Claimyr, especially since you said there's one close to you. Just call ahead to see what documents they recommend bringing - some locations are better equipped to help with these account security issues than others.

I went through this exact nightmare last year! The security questions issue is unfortunately becoming really common - I think there's definitely some kind of security vulnerability they're not being transparent about. Here's what finally worked for me: I went to the CareerSource office in Tampa with every piece of ID I could find (driver's license, passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, and even my old W2s). The staff there couldn't directly reset my PIN, but they were able to create a priority case in the system and mark it as a potential fraud/identity theft issue. The key thing is to emphasize that this appears to be fraudulent account access - that gets it escalated much faster than just saying you "forgot" your security questions. I got a call back from a DEO supervisor within 3 business days, and they were able to verify my identity over the phone using information only I would know (like specific dates from my work history). I'd definitely recommend trying CareerSource first since it's free, but if you're running out of time for claiming weeks, the Claimyr route seems to work too based on what others are saying here. The important thing is getting to an actual human who can verify you're the real account holder. Good luck - don't give up! This system is broken but there are ways to get through it.

Just wanted to add another success story to give others hope! I had this exact same issue two weeks ago - someone had changed my security questions and email, completely locking me out of my CONNECT account. I was panicking because I had weeks to claim and couldn't get in. I tried the CareerSource route first like some people suggested here. Went to the one in Orlando with my driver's license, birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill. The staff there was really helpful and explained that they're seeing this security breach issue constantly now. They couldn't reset my PIN directly but they filed what they called a "fraud escalation case" and said I should hear back within a week. Sure enough, I got a call from a DEO supervisor 4 days later! She was able to verify my identity using questions about my previous employers and claim dates. The whole phone call took maybe 20 minutes and she reset everything - PIN, security questions, and even helped me set up a new secure email for the account. For anyone dealing with this: definitely emphasize that it appears to be fraudulent account access when you contact them. That seems to get it prioritized much faster. And bring every piece of ID you have - the more documentation the better! The system is definitely broken that this is even happening in the first place, but there are ways to get it fixed if you persist. Don't give up!