Please find the attached and downloadable PDF at the bottom of this article.
What is UI Fraud?
There are a large number of bad actors in the US and abroad who are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by using stolen identities to collect unemployment benefits.
To learn more on Unemployment Insurance Fraud please visit:
https://support.thomas-and-company.com/hc/en-us/categories/1500000053821-CLAIMS-FRAUD
Be Alert
These could be signs that someone used your identity to file an unemployment claim.
- Look for UI notices, checks, debit cards, Form 1099-G or other tax forms related to benefits you did not initiate.
- Be wary of strangers asking for personal information such as your address or date of birth. This might be a fraudster phishing for information.
Say Something
If you get any uninitiated notices from the State Unemployment office, be sure to notify:
- Your HR Department – so they can also alert the state to a potential issue.
- Report the potential fraud online to the State Workforce Agency (https://support.thomas-and-company.com/hc/en-us/articles/360059003794-UI-Claimant-Fraud-Contacts).
- Notify the IRS and FTC that you are a potential fraud victim (identitytheft.gov).
- Alert your bank and the 3 credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) so you can freeze your credit or place a fraud alert on your account.
Remain Vigilant
Be careful who you share information with.
- Never post any personal identifiable information on Social Media.
- Never pay to get help with your unemployment claim or benefits.
- Never cash a benefit check for someone via wire transfer, gift card or cash – this is always a SCAM.