What Is A Trusted Referee Video Call
If your self-service identity verification attempt was unsuccessful, you can verify your identity on a recorded video call with a Trusted Referee instead. This process consists of a short video call with a trained ID.me employee where you present acceptable documentation to verify your identity.
What To Do If You Receive An Overpayment Notice
If you receive a Statement of Overpaid Unemployment Benefits Account for an unemployment benefits claim that you did not file, you should report the ID theft claim on TWCs online portal.
Once TWC confirms that a claim was filed using a stolen ID, the individual named on the claim is not responsible for any overpayment and the employers tax rate or reimbursement is not affected. Once ID theft is confirmed, any future overpayment statements will be suspended. However, you may continue to receive billing statements while the investigation is ongoing.
You May Be A Victim Of Unemployment Identity Theft If You Received:
- Mail from a government agency about an unemployment claim or payment and you did not recently file for unemployment benefits. This includes unexpected payments or debit cards and could be from any state.
- A 1099-G tax form reflecting unemployment benefits you weren’t expecting. Box 1 on this form may show unemployment benefits you did not receive or an amount that exceeds your records for the unemployment benefits you did receive. The form itself may be from a state in which you do not live or did not file for benefits.
- While you are still employed, a notice from your employer indicating that your employer received a request for information about an unemployment claim in your name.
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Identity Verification For Unemployment Claims
The Louisiana Workforce Commission is partnering with federally certified identity verification provider ID.me to streamline the identity verification process on new unemployment claims.
Individuals filing new unemployment claims on LWCs HiRE website are briefly redirected to ID.mes website to create an ID.me account to verify their identity before being allowed to proceed with the claim registration. Users should save the recovery code provided in case they do not complete the verification the first time or need to change devices to complete the process.
The automated ID verification process takes about five minutes to complete for about 85 percent of users. For the others, ID.me offers video chats with trained representatives who assist with the ID verification.
- Common reasons for self-service failure include:
- ID document photo may be blurry or shadowed, or otherwise unreadable.
- Data sources – like credit bureaus – may have incorrect, insubstantial or outdated information. Common reasons include thin credit files, individuals with name changes and individuals without a permanent address.
- Phone number may not be associated with their name.
Individuals who use the ID.me verification when filing their new unemployment claim will have their identity verified much faster, eliminating extra steps in the claim review process. Identity verification for COVID-related unemployment claims is a requirement, per federal regulations.
How Online Identity Verification Processes Work
Part of the problem, of course, is that due to COVID-19 regulations, unemployment insurance offices were closed, so people couldnt come in and physically register for unemployment. And even if they could, government services in general have been moving to an online model. Filing and reporting online is more convenient for both filers and staff because nobody has to come into an office during specific hours, electronic filing and reporting is usually faster, and automated systems can often make a determination for unemployment insurance payments more quickly.
Its those same benefits, though, that made it easier for fraudsters to take advantage of the online unemployment insurance benefit systems. Someone who had to physically go to an office and show physical identification documents could still have committed fraud. But they couldnt have done it nearly as quickly as someone who could set up multiple screens and automated systems to register as a real or fake person and add personally identifiable information such as addresses and Social Security numbers. Much of this information is readily available on the so-called dark web from hackers at just a few cents apiece.
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What Is Identity Verification
According to the U.S. Department of Labors Office of Inspector General, in the rush to support American workers during the COVID-19-related economic disruption, as much as $87.3 billion in unemployment insurance benefits may have been lost to fraud. While some has been retrieved, the rest is probably gone for good. But states and the federal government are working to improve identity verification processes to ensure this doesnt happen again.
Us Department Of Labor Issues Guidance To States On Identity Verification Eligibility For Unemployment Insurance Claims Protecting Identity Theft Victims
WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Department of Labors Employment and Training Administration today announced the issuance of an Unemployment Insurance Program Letter that provides new guidance to states on identity verification for unemployment insurance claims.
The guidance follows unprecedented increases in UI claims amid the pandemic and related surges in fraudulent filings in states systems by sophisticated criminal rings using stolen or synthetic identities false identities composed of real and fake information. It provides states with guidance about adjudication standards to apply when determining UI eligibility in cases where an individuals identity appears questionable.
This guidance will help states find and stop payments on claims based on stolen or fake identities and help unemployed workers who have been falsely flagged as possibly fraudulent. The guidance also explains what states can do to protect those victims who may have had their identities previously stolen and then used by criminals to apply for unemployment insurance benefits.
In addition to its guidance to states to prevent UI fraud, the department recently launched a website to assist people who are victims of UI identity theft. The website enables individuals to report ID theft and to find helpful information if their identities have been stolen.
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How To Complete Your Idme Verification
When signing into your DES account, click on the ID.me link provided to create your ID.me account, secure your account and verify your identity.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the steps to complete your verification.
ID.me also offers identification verification by video-chat with trained and certified staff members. View the video-chat step-by-step guide to learn how to verify though a video call.
If you have additional questions about ID.me or need further guidance, visit help.id.me.
What Are The Regulations And Standards For Identity Verification
States such as Kansas, Maryland, and Tennessee are partnering with organizations such as LexisNexis Risk Solutions that offer identity verification services. These services compare submitted information, such as Social Security numbers, with credit histories, utilities records, and device data.
In addition, the federal government has developed a system called , which uses LexisNexis and other systems for checks. The system has been available to states since February 2021, according to Reuters.
The nonprofit organization National Association of State Workforce Agencies has also created an Integrity Data Hub, which lets states cross-match applicants looking for suspicious activities such as Internet addresses from outside the United States, people who have registered for unemployment benefits in more than one state, and email domains that have frequently been associated with fraudulent activity. The hub is free for states to use, and the Department of Labor is encouraging states to use it.
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How Long Does The Trusted Referee Video Call Take
Depending on the number of claimants attempting to verify their identity, the Virtual In-Person wait time can vary however, once you jointhe video call session with an ID.me Trusted Referee, the verification process should take 15 minutes or less.
What Is The Purpose Of Verifying Identity
The purpose of verifying identity is to ensure that a person filing for unemployment insurance benefits is who they say they are, that they are entitled to the benefits theyre filing for, that the amount of unemployment insurance benefits they are receiving is accurate, and that they are properly complying with state unemployment insurance regulations regarding reporting in and applying for jobs.
When that doesnt happen, there can be problems. People who arent entitled to benefits can claim them. Worse, people who are entitled to unemployment insurance benefits might not be able to claim them or might not be able to get all theyre entitled to, because a fraudster got there first.
In fact, according to the Department of Labor, some fraudsters created fake people or synthetic, using a combination of real and fake information and even partnered with fraudulent employers to create fake wages against which to file unemployment!
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Additional Suggestions For Victims Of Id Theft
Victims of identity theft are advised to take the following actions:
If You Received A Message To Use Ui Online
Use the Document Upload feature in UI Online to verify your identity. If we need you to verify your identity, you will get a message asking you to:
- Visit your UI Online homepage and select Upload Identity Documents. You will only see this option if there has been an issue verifying your identity.
- You may also receive this request in the mail.
Gather Your Documents
For us to verify your identity, you must provide two documents:
- One photo identification document
View the list of acceptable documents for identity verification.
Submission Deadline
You have 10 calendar days from the Mail Date on the Request for Identity Verification mailed to you to respond with your proof of identity.
To request more time, you must call 1-866-401-2849 or mail a request to the address at the top of the Request for Identity Verification mailed to you. We must receive your request within 10 calendars days of the Mail Date on the paper form.
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Why Did I Get A Text Message About Unemployment Verification
You may have recently received a text message asking if you used ID.me to log in to your state unemployment agency. This is an automated alert from ID.me that is designed to protect your identity from unauthorized use.
- Do not take any action if you remember signing into ID.me.
- Reply “N” if you do not remember logging into ID.me. The ID.me account will be suspended and flagged for investigation.
What To Do If You Received An Irs Form 1099
The Department of Justice Insurance Fraud Task Force is investigating numerous fraud schemes targeting state unemployment agencies, including TWC.
Criminal actors are filing fraudulent unemployment claims using stolen identities.
Because unemployment benefits are taxable, TWC issues Form 1099-G to the Internal Revenue Service and claimants. Individuals may receive Form 1099-G indicating that they were paid unemployment benefits for a claim they did not file. If you received a Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits on a claim you did not file, you should report it immediately using the online portal.
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Reporting Unemployment Identity Theft
How Does Idme Use My Information
ID.me never shares user data with third parties unless they receive explicit consent from the user to do so on a case by case basis after the user has been appropriately authenticated. In fact, ID.me requires your explicit permission before they send your information to our agency.
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Signs That You May Be A Victim Of Unemployment Identity Theft
Most victims of unemployment identity theft are unaware that claims have been filed and/or that benefits have been collected using their identities. Many people only find out unemployment identity theft occurred when they receive something in the mail, such as a payment or state issued 1099-G tax form thats incorrect or for benefits not received.
Sample form from the IRS.gov website: IRS form Certain Government Payments 1099-G
Why Was My Identity Verification Attempt Unsuccessful
There are several reasons why an identity verification attempt may be unsuccessful. One potential cause is that the information provided to ID.me does not match the authoritative sources they use for identity verification. Alternatively, an attempt may be unsuccessful if a user entered incorrect information or if the identity documents provided do not meet federal digital identity protection guidelines. If your first three verification attempts are unsuccessful, click on the Verify identity on a video call button to join a video call with an ID.me employee that is trained and certified to verify your identity.
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Identity Theft And Your Irs Tax Return
Everyone who receives unemployment benefits will get an IRS Form 1099-G , used for reporting the income on your tax returns. When you file your federal income tax return, you must report income you received, but you should not report income that you did not receive. When you file your income taxes, only include income you actually received. Do not wait to receive a corrected 1099-G to file your taxes. Refer to the Identity Theft and Unemployment Benefits page on IRS.gov for updates and additional tax filing information.
If you get a Form 1099-G but did not claim unemployment benefits or collect any or all the benefits listed on the Form, report the ID theft claim to TWC using the online Unemployment Fraud Submission portal and visit the IRS website for guidance on ID theft involving unemployment benefits. Once TWC has confirmed an individuals identity has been stolen, TWC will send a corrected report to the IRS.
What Employers Can Do If You Suspect Id Theft
Employers may receive a Notice of Application for Unemployment Benefits, a Request for Work Separation Information, or other form from TWC requesting information on a claim. If you receive a notice for an employee who is still working, or for a person who never worked for you, please respond to the notice immediately. See Responding to a Notice of Application for more information.
If your employee receives material from TWC for an unemployment claim they did not file, you should advise your employee to report the ID theft claim using TWCs online portal. While either you or your employee may report the suspected ID theft using the portal, we prefer that the information comes directly from the person whose identity was stolen. Your employee can find information about how to report ID theft in the section above.
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Respond To Your Request For Identity Verification
If we couldnt verify your identity based on the information you gave us when you filed for unemployment, we will notify you that you will need to provide additional documentation and which specific method you must use to verify your identity. Complete this step in UI OnlineSM or respond to the Request for Identity Verification mailed to you.
Fraud Alert For Californians
Scammers continue to prey upon those in need of assistance during this pandemic. California EDD has reported that individuals are impersonating California EDD and ID.me to get individuals to divulge their personal identifying information. Californians should be aware that EDD does not send representatives to homes and neither California EDD nor ID.me will contact individuals via social media and other websites.
- If EDD calls claimants, the caller ID may show St of CAEDD or the UI Customer Service number 1-800-300-5616 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- If individuals opted in for SMS text alerts, messages are sent from 510-74 or 918-06 to the phone number listed on the unemployment claim.
- For the latest developments involving benefit fraud, visit EDDs new consolidated Help Fight Fraud webpage.
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