How To Protect Your Credit Report
If youve been the victim of identity theft, you should take action to safeguard your data identity. Free protections and resources are explained in the Fraud Victim Bill of Rights. Make sure to read your credit reports thoroughly and check for accounts you dont recognize.
Unemployment Insurance Fraud Information For Employers
States across the nation have seen a surge in unemployment benefit fraud, largely associated with identity theft. There has not been a breach of information stored by the Arizona Department of Economic Security , however, criminals are obtaining individuals personal information using phishing scams, previous corporate data breaches, and other tactics and using this stolen information to file for Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits. Use the Reporting Suspected Unemployment Fraud Toolkit and learn how to protect your business and employees from UI fraud.
Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Activity
Report Fraud
If you believe that your information has been used to fraudulently file an unemployment insurance claim, please contact the Division of Unemployment Insuranceâs Benefit Payment Control Unit by completing a âRequest for Investigation of Unemployment Insurance Fraudâ form and e-mailing it to .
Fraud Investigation
When our department detected the unusual increase in out-of-state unemployment insurance claim activity, select claimants had their Bank of America debit cards cancelled and were directly messaged in their BEACON One-Stop portal. These claimants were prompted to verify their identity by uploading additional documentation to their portal.
The department has a team of specialists focusing solely on the manual review and verification of all documents submitted by claimants to ensure that we are separating out the legitimate accounts and issuing new Bank of America debit cards as quickly as possible.
The new debit card will provide access to the legitimate claimantâs prior balance and any additional benefit payments. Impacted claimants will receive communications within their portal once their claim has been verified. If they have any further questions, they can contact our departmentâs Benefit Payment Control Unit by e-mailing .
Our investigation in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor remains ongoing.
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Uia Releases Report On Potential Fraud Exposure
Report identifies specific steps Agency took to enhance fraud prevention and address vulnerabilities, ensuring protection of Michiganders and unemployment system
Contact: , 517-282-0041
The Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Unemployment Insurance Agency have submitted to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer a report prepared by Deloitte & Touche LLP documenting the chronology of the States efforts to identify and respond to fraud risks regarding unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In July 2020, LEO selected Deloitte, a nationally recognized professional services organization, to assist the UIA with financial operations, investigations into imposter claims and a forensic review to help identify fraudulent activity that can be quickly turned over to law enforcement for prosecution.
The report identified areas where UIAs policy, technological and organizational changes increased the Agencys potential exposure to fraud, and documented steps UIA has already taken to enhance its fraud risk management capabilities to address those identified vulnerabilities in the unemployment system.
In June, the Agency appointed Jeffrey Frost, a retired Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Secret Service, to provide expertise in the UIAs efforts to counter the criminal attacks being experienced by unemployment systems around the country, analyze fraudulent unemployment activity and clear legitimate accounts.
Technology
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Local Retiree Questions What To Do With 1099
âNow I have a 1099 that says itâs for $4,880,â said Karol Settergren, a retired high school counselor.
Taking a close look at the 1099, she said, it shows that withholdings of $488 for federal income taxes and $270.40 for the state.
âIt has my Social Security number on here,â she said.
âNow, Iâm just concerned what happens when I go to file my taxes.â
Settergren, 73, did not file for unemployment benefits in 2020.
She remembers that she did get some paperwork in the summer that said she was denied her claim for unemployment benefits because she didnât provide enough identification. She did not keep that letter.
Again, though, she did not expect a problem since she received information saying the claim was reportedly denied.
âItâs just another thing to deal with,â she said. âIt seems like everything is going wrong in this year of COVID-19.â
Last year, a large-scale imposter scheme hit state unemployment systems across the country. Many times, the crooks filed claims for people who didnât lose jobs, such as school teachers, retirees and even some small business owners.
On Monday, California officials confirmed that the state paid out more than $11 billion in unemployment claims relating to fraud during the pandemic, according to The Hill.
An independent report in November indicated that Michigan might have at one point through late May paid out up to $1.5 billion to such fraud.
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The Big Red Flag For Employers That Unemployment Fraud Is Afoot
Now that you know how damaging false claims can be for your business and employees, you might be wondering how you can tell if theres fraud going on.
Unemployment fraud doesnt mean youll receive sketchy emails or mail from a scammer. In this case, it means a scammer filed for unemployment benefits with the state using a workers personally identifiable information . Employers then receive a legitimate notice from the state.
The one glaring red flag that alerts you to fraud is:
- You receive a state notice about an individual filing for unemployment benefits who is still employed by your business
Employees, on the other hand, may learn about the problem by receiving:
- Notice from employer about an unemployment claim
- Mail from a government agency about claims or payments
- IRS Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, indicating received unemployment benefits
If an employee receives mail from the state about unemployment payments or IRS Form 1099-G about reporting payments, the fraud has already been successful. But, employers promptly notifying employees of fraudulent unemployment claims can help nip problems in the bud early on.
False Accusations / Mistaken Identity
Demonstrating your innocence is the ultimate defense. There are numerous reasons why innocent people get accused of this crime. Perhaps someone in your office filed for a fraudulent claim and, when questioned, tried to escape his own liability by pointing the finger at you. Perhaps you were the victim of identity theft and as a result you were also the victim of mistaken identity, since you are not the culprit who submitted the false claim.
A good defense attorney and defense investigator can often uncover the critical facts to exonerate a falsely accused suspect.
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Justice Department Warns On Fake Unemployment Benefit Websites
The Department of Justice recently warned that fraudsters are creating websites mimicking unemployment benefit websites, including state workforce agency websites, for the purpose of unlawfully capturing consumers personal information.To lure consumers to these fake websites, fraudsters send spam text messages and emails purporting to be from an SWA and containing a link. The fake websites are designed to trick consumers into thinking they are applying for unemployment benefits and disclosing personally identifiable information and other sensitive data. That information can then be used by fraudsters to commit identity theft.
Help stop these scams by reporting them and using the list of state contacts at DOL.gov/fraud.
Penal Code 470 Pc Californias Forgery Law
Penal Code 470 PC Californias forgery law prohibits knowingly altering, creating, or using a written document intending to commit fraud. This means that if, for example, you apply for unemployment benefits
prosecutors could opt to file forgery charges as well. If convicted of forgery, you again face a wobbler, which is also punishable by up to three years in jail and a maximum $10,000 fine.22
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Unemployment Fraud In Nevada:
The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation is committed to preventing and identifying fraud or fraudulent scams. We encourage Nevadans to remain vigilant and to report fraud or any potential concerns of fraud to DETR.
In April of this year, DETR joined the Nevada COVID-19 Task Force. The Task Force, formed by Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford and U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich, is comprised of local, state and federal investigators and prosecutors with significant experience in handling multiple types of fraud complaints and cases related to cybercrime and unemployment insurance among others. DETR is working with local law enforcement, the Attorney Generals COVID-19 Fraud Task Force and the Department of Labor to detect, prevent and address fraud.
In Nevada, unemployment fraud is considered a felony and the State will be following up on fraudulent claims up to and including prosecution and other civil remedies afforded under the law.
Reporting fraud in Nevada is done online by using the States Fraud Reporting Form which can be utilized by individuals and employers alike. Filers are encouraged to file a report and upload supporting information for their report to the State. Additional information explaining the steps individuals and employers can take should they believe a fraudulent claim has been filed can be found on the States fraud flyer
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What To Do If You Suspect Or Are A Victim Of Ui Fraud
Individuals who receive notification of unemployment assistance benefits for which they did not apply may be the victim of identity theft for those who seek to obtain fraudulent benefits.
Individuals who suspect UI fraud or believe they may have been a victim of identity theft used to file a fraudulent claim can submit a report to DES at fraud report online application. When reporting fraud, individuals should provide identifying information in the web form that will help locate the claim in our systems. This includes SSN, full name , and mailing address where the documents were received. Individuals are advised to destroy cards they erroneously received. Once DES is able to locate the fraudulent claim, we can address the funds that were issued on the card, and do not need the card returned.
Additionally, if you believe you were the victim of identity theft, we encourage you to go to the Federal Trade Commission identity theft website, identitytheft.gov, and the National Center for Disaster Fraud website, to report and protect yourself from further victimization.
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Reporting Ui Fraud And Identity Theft
The best way to report unemployment fraud or possible imposter fraud against your employee is to raise an issue in your online account. Select the reason Suspected fraudulent activity as the reason for raising an issue. We will review the account filed in your employees name and take immediate steps to resolve the issue.
If you want to report possible fraudulent activity involving a person who is not your employee, you can report that to us using our online fraud form.
Identity Theft And Unemployment Benefits
States have experienced a surge in fraudulent unemployment claims filed by organized crime rings using stolen identities. Criminals are using these stolen identities to fraudulently collect benefits across multiple states.
Because unemployment benefits are taxable income, states issue Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, to recipients and to the IRS to report the amount of taxable compensation received and any withholding. Box 1 on the form shows “Unemployment Compensation.” You should report fraud to the issuing state agency and request a corrected Form 1099-G.
For details on how to report fraud to state workforce agencies, how to obtain a corrected Form 1099-G, a list of state contacts and other steps you should take if you are a victim, see the U.S. Department of Labors DOL.gov/fraud page. Please follow Department of Labor guidance on reporting fraud and protecting yourself from additional scams.
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Report Unemployment Tax Fraud
Online: Complete and submit the Unemployment Tax Fraud form to report employers who evade UC taxes. This type of fraudulent conduct may include:
- Payment of wages under the table
- Failure to register as an employer with the Department of Labor & Industry
- Failure to report all employees or wages paid
- Assisting an employee in filing a fraudulent claim for UC benefits
Phone: Call the PA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-692-7469, review the Unemployment Tax Fraud form above to ensure you have all the information prepared to provide your report.
Mail or Fax: Report fraudulent activity regarding Pennsylvania unemployment compensation benefits or unemployment taxes. You may remain anonymous or give your name and a way to be contacted if additional information is needed.
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and IndustryInternal AuditsGreencastle PA 17225
Fax: 717-593-0265
While we appreciate your information, the Pennsylvania UC Law prevents the Department of Labor & Industry from disclosing an investigation or its results. However, we investigate all allegations that contain sufficient information to identify the suspected wrongdoer and the questionable activity.
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Unemployment Benefits Fraud Puts Workers At Risk Of More Id Theft
A large-scale scam involving phony unemployment benefits claims has been making headlines. Criminals, possibly based overseas, are filing claims for benefits, using the names and personal information of people who have not lost their jobs. The investigation is ongoing, but this much is known: the fraud is affecting tens of thousands of people, slowing the delivery of benefits to people in real need, and costing states hundreds of millions of dollars.
Most people learn theyre affected when they get a notice from their state unemployment benefits office or their employer about their supposed application for benefits. By then, however, the benefits usually have been paid to an account the criminals control.
Here are steps you can take to help your business respond quickly to any phony claims and assist employees whose personal information has been misused.
Alert your workforce. Tell your employees about the scam. Ask them to report fraudulent benefits claims to your Human Resources department as soon as they learn about them. Direct your HR team to flag any notice they get from the state about a claim supposedly filed by a current employee. Immediately notify the employee about any suspicious claim that your business receives.
Report the fraud. Check your state unemployment benefits agencys website for reporting instructions. Depending on your state, the agency may want to get the fraud report from you, the employee, or both. This link can help you find the agencys website.
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Notify & Help The Employee
Notify the affected employee if theyre unaware of the fraudulent claims made in their name. Then help them file the necessary reports and protect their information from future breaches.
Report identity theft
- Protect their Federal tax returns
- Visit IdentityTheft.gov for more information and tips
4. Consider the possibility of an organization-wide incident
If multiple employees at your organization fall victim to unemployment fraud, you may have experienced a data breach. For instance, someone may have gained unauthorized access to your system and your employees PII.
If you suspect a large-scale incident like this, notify your insurance carrier and legal advisors as soon as possible.
Ui Fraud & Identity Theft
The Department of Labor works very hard to protect the integrity of our agency and programs. To combat and stop unemployment insurance fraud and identity theft, we work actively alongside local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, government agencies, claimants, and employers in New York State and around the country.
Fraudsters use real New Yorkers identities likely stolen during previous data breaches involving institutions like banks, insurance companies and major employers to file fraudulent UI claims and illegally collect benefits in the name of individuals who are not unemployed.
Unemployment insurance fraud rings often target New Yorkers who are employed and not collecting UI benefits because those individuals are less likely to have an active claim. The presence of an active claim would prevent the criminals from filing a fraudulent claim for that same person. People who work in health care, education, government and non-profits have been particularly impacted by UI fraud and should remain especially vigilant.
We encourage you to help us by reporting allegations of fraud. If you receive official communication from NYS DOL regarding UI benefits that you did not apply for, you may be a victim of UI benefits fraud and identity theft. Official communication includes, but is not limited to, emails, text messages, letters, debit cards, and tax forms received in the mail. You should immediately report suspected UI fraud to NYS DOL.
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How To Report Florida Unemployment Fraud
IT IS NOT ILLEGAL TO WORK WHILE YOU ARE COLLECTING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.
If you want to know how to report unemployment fraud, you must first be sure that someone is committing unemployment fraud. In the state of Florida it is a crime to knowingly collect unemployment benefits that you are not eligible to receive, and this is considered unemployment fraud. BUT, it is very important to note that IT IS NOT ILLEGAL TO WORK WHILE YOU ARE COLLECTING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.
You are able to work at a job and make a certain amount of money while still collecting unemployment benefits. When you apply for unemployment, this amount will be determined, and how this works will be explained to you by your unemployment counselor.
If you do work while you are collecting unemployment benefits, it is VERY important that you follow the rules given to you by your unemployment counselor, which includes reporting where you work, how much you make every week, etc.
If you suspect someone of committing unemployment fraud, you can contact the unemployment office to report them. You may be able to remain anonymous, or you may have to give your name and contact information to report them.
When you make your report, be sure to give as much detailed information as possible, including the following:
- Their name
