How To Report Unemployment Insurance Fraud

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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What Is Unemployment Insurance Fraud

Employers and claimants can both commit fraud under state unemployment insurance laws.

Employer fraud can include certain actions to avoid tax liability or establishing a fictitious employer account to enable fraudulent claims against that account. Claimant fraud can include knowingly submitting false information continuing to collect benefits when knowing oneself to be ineligible not being able and available to work while certifying for benefits under state law or intentionally not reporting wages or income while collecting full benefits. Additionally, identity theft may result in unemployment insurance fraud that is not the fault of the employer or the identity theft victim.

The state is required and expected to enforce its own unemployment insurance laws.

Penalties For Committing Fraud

Depending on the circumstances, if you knowingly make false or misleading statements, you will likely be fined. The amount of the fine varies, but you may have to pay up to 150% of any overpayment you received, or three times your benefit rate for every false statement, whichever amount is lower. The value of the overpayment is the total of any benefits that you were actually paid plus a percentage of the value of any benefits that you could have been paid because of the fraud.

In addition, we may record a violation on your EI file. If this happens, you will need to work more hours to qualify for EI benefits in the future. We will calculate the number of hours based on the following chart. The higher the value of this figure, the more hours you may need to qualify for EI benefits.

*These increases apply for five years from the date we record the violation on your file or to your next two claims, whichever comes first.

It does not matter if you apply for regular, sickness, maternity, parental, compassionate care, or family caregiver for children or adults benefitsyou will need the increased number of hours to receive any of these benefits.

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It Is A Hassle But Dont Wait To Report:

This is a hassle. Each state handles unemployment fraud cases differently, and the FTC recommends you document all confirmation and case numbers, along with the names of who you speak to at your state unemployment agency. Many unemployment departments are overwhelmed with reports of fraudulent claims, and you may encounter long delays to report and process your case. You may also be asked to provide documentation to support your report, which can be time-consuming and add stress to an already stressful situation. Despite the hassle, it is far better to address the situation now: while it is unlikely you would lose out on any benefits as the result of a fraud, failing to address the situation immediately could result in a major delay to your benefits at the time you need them the most!

For more information, go to or www.dol.gov.

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Why Should You Use Donotpay

When someone violates your privacy and financial security through unemployment fraud, the recovery process can sometimes be lengthy, overwhelming, and stressful. DoNotPay makes the process fast, easy, and successful. We don’t just tell you which reports filing we file them on your behalf and make the best case for you. We will walk you through the process and support you each step of the way so that you can hopefully return to living your life normally as soon as possible.

DoNotPay can help with all types of identity theft issues, such as credit card fraud, social security fraud, or IRS tax fraud. We can help you notify the credit bureaus and even file reports on your behalf. Whatever issues you are facing as a result of identity theft, DoNotPay is here to support you.

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What Steps Do I Need To Take If I’m The Victim Of Unemployment Insurance Fraud

The first thing you should do is report the fraud to your employer. You should also alert your state’s unemployment benefits office. Contact information and other details vary depending on the jurisdiction, so be sure to find your state agency here.

Next, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report your fraud to the Federal Trade Commission . The FTC site will take you through the steps to set up an account and access your recovery plan. You can also update your plan as needed, track your progress and pre-fill necessary forms and letters with your information. The recovery plan will show you how to close fraudulent accounts, give you access to a free credit report and help you freeze your legitimate accounts to thwart additional fraud.

It’s important to check your credit reports regularly to identify any suspicious changes to your credit history. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, annualcreditreport.com is offering free weekly credit reports through April 2021.

You should also contact your employer and disclose that someone may have applied for unemployment insurance benefits in your name. Your employer may have already received paperwork from the state unemployment insurance department and can help you prove that the claim is fraudulent and you remain employed.

Even though identity thieves are thriving during the Covid-19 pandemic, you can help better protect yourself by remaining vigilant, watching for signs of fraud and carefully monitoring your credit reports.

How To Report Unemployment Fraud

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 9,700 times.

Both employers and employees can commit fraud on the unemployment insurance fund. Employers commit fraud by not paying in their fair share. Employees commit fraud by taking out more than their fair share. Unemployment compensation is not funded by general taxpayer funds. It is funded by employers paying into a state fund used to pay former employees who meet certain criteria. If you suspect either a person or business of committing unemployment fraud, here are some things you can do to report it.

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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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Tips To Avoid Unemployment Insurance Fraud

The best way to avoid committing UI fraud is to first understand what must not be done and what needs to be done. Sometimes people are unaware that they are falsely claiming for benefits.

Here are some tips to follow to avoid committing unemployment insurance fraud:

• Always report your employment before you make a claim. Employment includes cash jobs, self-employment, commission, 1099 or temporary.
• Do not misrepresent information or make a false statement to increase or receive benefits.
• Always report your work refusals.
• Do not fabricate job searches. Conduct enough work research.
• Always report a work separation.
• Do not use another individuals identity to file for insurance payments.
• Always report other types of reimbursements such as Workers Compensation payments.
• You must report it if you are incapable and not available to work .
• Do not help someone else file a fraudulent insurance claim.

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Employers’ Role In Combating Ui Fraud

In order to begin paying UI benefits, NYS DOL must confirm eligibility with a claimants employer. As such, employers in New York State may be the first to know if unemployment fraud has been committed.

Employers should look out for and report any of the following, as they may be signs of UI fraud and/or identity theft:

• NYS DOL inquiring about a current employee who is not unemployed
• NYS DOL inquiring about a former employee who has not become unemployed within the past five annual quarters
• Missing, incorrect, or suspicious information in a claim

Report suspected UI fraud to NYS DOLs Office of Special Investigations.

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.

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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.

Employers Role In Combating Ui Fraud

In order to begin paying UI benefits, NYS DOL must confirm eligibility with a claimants employer. As such, employers in New York State may be the first to know if unemployment fraud has been committed.

Employers should look out for and report any of the following, as they may be signs of UI fraud and/or identity theft:

• NYS DOL inquiring about a current employee who is not unemployed
• NYS DOL inquiring about a former employee who has not become unemployed within the past five annual quarters
• Missing, incorrect, or suspicious information in a claim

Report suspected UI fraud to NYS DOLs Office of Special Investigations.

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How To Submit Reports

When you applied for benefits, Service Canada mailed you a benefit statement. This statement included a 4-digit access code. You need this code and your social insurance number to submit your reports.

You can submit your reports using the Internet Reporting Service or the Telephone Reporting Service.

The EI reporting calendar can help you keep track of your hours and earnings.

Report Fraud As An Employer:

How to report fraud as an employer:

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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.

Heres What You Can Do:

Step One: Report Identity Theft to ODJFSComplete this online form. ODJFS will issue confirmation emails to everyone who files a report with information about identity theft and protection. The agency will process the reports, conduct investigations and, if necessary, issue corrections to the Internal Revenue Service on 1099s issued to victims.

Step Two: File Your Taxes ODJFS recommends that you follow the following tax-filing guidance regarding identity theft from:

• Ohio Department of Taxation

Step Three: Protect Your Identity Many resources are available for victims of identity theft to help them protect their identities. ODJFS strongly urges anyone who suspects they may be a victim of identity theft to take appropriate action to protect themselves. Here are some resources we recommend:

• Federal Trade Commission Resources at identitytheft.gov

LINKS: ttps://odjfs2.secure.force.com/OUIOFraudEmployerReportingPortal

Q: How do I know if someone has fraudulently filed for Unemployment Benefits in my name?

A: If you have received one or more of the following and you did not file for Unemployment Benefits in 2020, you may have had a fraudulent claim made in your name:

Q: What should I do if I receive one of the forms/notifications listed above?

A: You should follow these steps, in order:

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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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Unemployment Fraud: Identity Theft And How To Recover With Donotpay

If you have recently discovered that you are a victim of unemployment fraud and identity theft issues, DoNotPay can help you understand how to move forward. You may be worried, angry, and frustrated. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions when your personal information and financial life have been compromised.

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