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COVID+Credit: What to Know About Unemployment Insurance Fraud

2/5/2021

Mike Lee link

2/5/2021 03:30:14 pm

The Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic has led to unprecedented unemployment numbers. As state governments have relaxed controls in order to roll out benefits at a faster rate, unemployment filings have become more vulnerable to identity theft and other types of fraud. The increase in legitimate unemployment benefits claims has caused a concurrent spike in fraudulent claims, putting additional stress on already struggling Americans.

Virtually anyone can fall victim to unemployment insurance fraud, and unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent identity theft of any kind. However, you can help better protect yourself by recognizing the signs of unemployment fraud and knowing what to do if you think you may have been a victim.

What is unemployment insurance fraud and how do I spot it?
Unemployment insurance fraud happens when an individual files for unemployment benefits using someone else's name and other personal information. If you've been the victim of this type of fraud, you will most likely learn of it when you get notified by your employer or your state's unemployment benefits office.

Other ways you might spot fraud include attempting to file an unemployment claim and learning that one already exists, receiving notification from the IRS about your unemployment insurance benefits and your tax status even though you didn't file a claim or receiving an unexpected notice of a tax offset.

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 (FTC). 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.

(You can also place a security freeze on your Equifax credit report, access a free credit report and request a fraud alert when you set up a myEquifax™ account.)

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.

While fraudsters most often have unemployment benefits deposited into an account they control, some crooks take a different approach. For example, you may discover that you're the victim of fraud when unexpected funds suddenly turn up in your bank account. In this scenario, you shouldn't activate any debit cards that you didn't apply for, nor should you spend the cash. If you get a call or text asking you to transfer the money back to your state agency because the deposit was a mistake, that could be part of the fraud. Report the activity and only follow instructions received directly from your state unemployment agency or the FTC after making contact with them.

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.

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COVID+Credit: What to Know About Unemployment Insurance Fraud

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