Free Credit Monitoring Available For Unemployment
Provided by Hannah News Service
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced Tuesday that individuals who have told the department they were victims of unemployment-related identify theft can receive free credit monitoring for one year. This will include identity theft monitoring, restoration and insurance. About 410,000 individuals who reported they had been victims of identity theft are being notified about their eligibility. Other who think they were victims but have not reported it to ODJFS can do so at or by calling 833.658.0394.
An ODJFS release said that criminals used personal information obtained through large-scale data breaches to file claims using the victims’ personal information. ODJFS is using an existing state contract with IDX, a nationally recognized provider of credit monitoring services. The cost to the state is estimated to be between $588,000 and $748,000 based on participation. Since the start of the pandemic, ODJFS has paid approximately $24 billion to 2.4 million claimants and found $496 million in fraudulent overpayments.
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:
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:
Unemployment Insurance Fraud And Identity Theft
During the COVID-19 pandemic, identity theft has been happening much more frequently, particularly via the filing of fraudulent unemployment benefit claims. Identity theft is when someone uses your personal informationsuch as your birth date and social security numberto commit fraud. The identity thief might use your personal information to pose as you and apply for credit in your name, access your bank accounts, file a tax return in order to intercept the refund, or even apply for government benefits, such as unemployment. This can cost you money, damage your credit rating, and require a great deal of time and effort to set right.
If you believe that someone has fraudulently filed for unemployment benefits using your information, you can report it to the State of Ohio here:
While you may not be able to eliminate the threat of identity theft entirely, you can reduce the risk of having your identity stolen. Some simple, common sense steps to protect yourself include the following:
Other resources for information on identity theft include the following:
Ohio Attorney General
Also Check: How Can I Make Money While Pregnant And Unemployed
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.
Irs Information For Employers
Employers are often the first line of defense against unemployment fraud. Employers should:
- Respond quickly to state notices that its employees have filed for unemployment claims, especially if the names on the notices are not employees
- Be alert to misuse of the IRS-issued Employer Identification Number that fraudsters may use to file jobless claims
- File a Form 14039-BPDF, Business Identity Theft Affidavit, if the companys EIN is being used to generate fraudulent unemployment benefit claims.
- Write to the IRS to close out the business tax account if the company is going out of business this will help curtail the misuse of dormant EINs.
You May Like: Can I Collect Unemployment After Workers Comp Settlement California
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.
New Hotline To Help Victims Of Unemployment Identity Theft
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has established a new toll-free number for people to notify the agency if they believe their personal information was compromised and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim: 658-0394.
This number is staffed by 50 dedicated, cross-trained customer service representatives, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. One way victims have been discovering identity theft is by receiving an IRS 1099-G form for unemployment benefits that were never received.
The phone number complements a secure online portal ODJFS established last month to provide a direct way for victims to report identity theft. Individuals who believe their identity was stolen and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim can visit unemployment.ohio.gov, click on the Report Identity Theft button and follow the guidance for individuals. This includes three steps: 1. Complete the reporting form, 2. File your taxes with IRS guidance, and 3. Protect your identity.
Posted on February 3, 2021by Jane Prendergast
You May Like: When Will We Get 300 Unemployment
Reporting Unemployment Identity Theft
State Directory For Reporting Unemployment Identity Theft
Refer to each state’s specific guidance around reporting unemployment identity theft. Some states may refer to unemployment as “reemployment assistance” or may refer to identity theft as “imposter fraud”.
Never send personal information or documents to unverified sites or in response to requests from social media. The resources below have been verified by state and federal government.
For technical issues with this website, accessibility problems, or to report non-working phone numbers or broken website links in the State Directory, please contact: .
State DirectoryRead Also: How To File For Unemployment In Florida Online
How To Prevent Identity Theft
Defending yourself from identity theft is important. To protect yourself:
- Do not respond to phishing phone calls, emails or texts. Scammers pose as banks, the government or even people you know.
- Leave your credit cards at home when you are not using them.
- Keep your Social Security card in a safe place at home.
- Shred documents that have personal information on them before throwing them away.
- On the internet, only make purchases on secure websites. Keep your computers antivirus and security software up to date.
- Set a password or passcode on your cell phone to protect your personal information.
Ghanbari Warns Of Rising Unemployment Fraud Cases
Sentinel-TribuneHaraz N. Ghanbari In The News
COLUMBUS, Ohio State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, R-Perrysburg, announces a surge in unemployment fraud cases throughout Ohio. With tax season approaching, many Ohioans have received unauthorized 1099-G forms, which may indicate an individuals information was compromised and subsequently used to file fraudulent unemployment claims.
My office has been working diligently with citizens in Wood County who have been affected, Ghanbari said. If youre an Ohioan who received a 1099-G form and did not file for unemployment, or you have noticed unauthorized access of your personally identifiable information, it is imperative to take immediate action to further safeguard your identity.
In January, ODJFS issued 1.7 million 1099-G tax forms to individuals whose information was used to apply for benefits. Many of those individuals were never paid unemployment benefits and did not know their identity had been compromised until they received a 1099-G form.
Additional potential fraud indicators include:
- A letter from ODJFS stating that unemployment benefits have been applied for in your name.
- A U.S. Bank ReliaCard for funds you do not recognize or were not expecting.
- Notification from your employer that ODJFS is inquiring about unemployment benefits that you did not apply for.
Don’t Miss: How To Cancel Unemployment Benefits
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
Fraudulent Unemployment Claims Affect Citizens In Lake County
Many individuals throughout the State of Ohio have been victims of unemployment fraud throughout the past few months. Lake County Department of Job and Family Services Director Matthew Battiato shared that this is a problem statewide and is affecting many individuals in Lake County. While the Lake County Department of Job and Family Services cannot assist with fraudulent unemployment claims, we are providing members of the public with information on how they can report these concerns to the State. One way victims have been discovering identity theft is by receiving an IRS 1099-G form for unemployment benefits that were never received.
The Commissioners Office understands the frustration of our residents. We have been in contact with our colleagues in Columbus to ensure protective measures are being taken to prevent future fraudulent activities, said Commissioner John Hamercheck.
Unemployment benefits are issued by the State and the Lake County Department of Job and Family Services does not have jurisdiction to assist with fraudulent unemployment claims. Fraudulent unemployment claims must be reported directly to the State by contacting the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Recommended Reading: Do I Need To Claim Unemployment On My Taxes
Scam Squad: How To Protect Yourself If Your Identity Is Used For Unemployment Fraud
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Its estimated that since last March, $63-Billion has been paid out nationwide for fraudulent claims related to Pandemic Unemployment programs. Thats according to the U.S. Department of Labors Inspector General.
Here in Ohio, there have been hundreds of thousands of identity theft victims whose names were used in those fraudulent claims. Among the victims Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, his wife Fran Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, journalists, police officers, and state employees.
In this Scam Squad report, Cleveland 19 has learned that laid-off restaurant worker Holly Brown says her children were among the identity theft victims, her 7th-grade daughter Summer and 22-year-old son Joseph who lives in a group home and has disabilities. Both have never worked.
My 14-year-old daughter someone had applied for unemployment by using her name, saying she was an employer, their employer which she definitely wasnt. And then somebody filled out on my 22-year-old son claiming he was unemployed due to the pandemic, Brown said.
A Tsunami of fraud, as ODJFS employee described it. Hundreds of thousands of people received a letter from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services giving them a PIN number for pandemic unemployment accounts they did not set up. A clear indication, authorities say that they are victims of identity theft.
So, what can you do if youre a victim of unemployment fraud?
1-833-658-0394.
Copyright 2021 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Most Read
Odjfs Offers Free Credit Monitoring To Victims Of Unemployment
COLUMBUS, OHIO Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder today announced that individuals who contacted the department to report that they had been victims of unemployment-related identify theft would be provided with one year of free credit monitoring.
The unprecedented amount of claims filed and benefits distributed as a result of the pandemic unfortunately resulted in equally unprecedented fraud across the nation, said Damschroder. While we have no evidence any ODJFS system was breached, we are in a unique position to help those who were victimized by providing them with credit-monitoring tools.
A common scheme across the country was for criminals to use personal information obtained through large-scale data breaches, often dating back years, to file claims using unsuspecting victims personal information such as name, address, and Social Security number.
Under todays announcement, ODJFS is notifying approximately 410,000 individuals who reported being the victim of such identity theft that they will be eligible for one year of credit monitoring at no charge. Those who believe they were victims, but have not yet reported it, can do so at unemployment.ohio.gov or by calling 658-0394. The services include identity theft monitoring, restoration, and insurance.
Read Also: How To Register For Unemployment In Virginia
If You Are A Victim Of Identity Theft
If you think your identity is stolen, you should take these steps:
- Contact each of the 3 major credit bureaus. Ask all 3 major credit bureaus for a . They are required to freeze and unfreeze your credit for free.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission. Go to IdentityTheft.gov or call 438-4338 to submit a report.
If you have more questions, contact the Ohio Attorney Generals Office. Their Identity Theft Unit may be able to help you solve issues with creditors and other organizations.
Irs Information For Taxpayers
When you file your income taxes, ONLY include income you received, even if you have not yet received a corrected 1099-G from the state.
- The processing of your tax return should not be delayed while your report of unemployment identity theft is under investigation.
- Do not report the incorrect 1099-G income on your tax return.
- The American Rescue Plan of 2021 provides for a one-time exemption of $10,200 per person in unemployment benefits to individuals and couples who earned $150,000 or less in 2020. If you have already filed your taxes, do not file an amended return. See Tax Treatment of 2020 Unemployment Compensation for more information.
- There is no requirement to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. A Form 14039 should be filed only if the taxpayers’ e-filed tax return is rejected because a duplicate return with their Social Security number is already on file or if the IRS instructs them to file a Form 14039.
- Taxpayers who were victims of an unemployment benefits identity theft scheme should consider opting into the IRS Identity Protection PIN program. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that helps prevent thieves from filing federal tax returns in the names of identity theft victims. The IP PIN is a voluntary program open to any taxpayer who can verify his or her identity. See details at Get an IP PIN.
Don’t Miss: How Do I Get My Debit Card For Unemployment
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.
