The first thing you should do is to notify your HR department that an unemployment claim has been fraudulently filed in your name. We will work with your HR department to notify the state that this is not a valid claim and stop the payment of benefits.
Do not deposit or cash the check. Do not activate the card. The state workforce agency should be contacted to notify them that a check has been issued and you did not file for benefits. Most states will ask you to destroy the debit card or check or write “VOID” across the check and return it. Keep notes on who you spoke to and when in case any questions arise later. If returning the check by mail, it is best to use a registered mail service to ensure that the check was received. The debit card issuer will not be able to assist in most cases but can be notified that the card is not valid.
We encourage you to review the Federal Trade Commission website for additional information and guidance related to identity theft. Recommended actions include, but are not limited to:
- Contact bank and credit card companies.
- Communicate with the IRS (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-theft-and-unemployment-benefits).
- 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.
- Contact all three of the credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a freeze on your credit report.