Report Fraud

Due to COVID-19, scams have become prevalent involving imposters filing claims for unemployment benefits, using names of individuals who have not filed claims. Victims often learn about the fraud when they get a notice from their state unemployment benefits office or their employer about their supposed application for benefits.

Steps to Take:

• Report the fraud to your employer. Keep a record of who you spoke with and when.
• Report the fraud to your state unemployment benefits agency. You can find state agencies here. Keep a record of who you spoke with and when.
• If possible, report the fraud online. An online report will save you time and be easier for the agency to process.
• Keep any confirmation or case number you get. If you speak with anyone, keep a record of who you spoke with and when.
• Visit Identity Theft.gov to report the fraud to the FTC and get help with the next important recovery steps. These include placing a free, one-year fraud alert on your credit, getting your free credit reports, and closing any fraudulent accounts opened in your name. IdentityTheft.gov also will help you add a free extended fraud alert or credit freeze to your credit report. These make it more difficult for an identity thief to open new accounts in your name.
• Review your credit reports often. For the next year, you can check your reports every week for free through AnnualCreditReport.com. This can help you spot any new fraud quickly.

If your Social Security number has been compromised or your benefits have been redirected, the Social Security Administration recommends these actions:

Steps to Take:

• Submit a complaint online with the Social Security Administration
• Include the following about each of the alleged suspect(s) and victim(s):
  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Social Security Number
• Provide the following information about the fraud claim, including the following (if known):
  • Date of Fraud
  • Location of Fraud
  • Detailed Description of Fraud
  • Witness Name(s)

If your Social Security number is compromised and you know or suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, the IRS recommends these actions:

Steps to Take:

• Respond immediately to any IRS notice: Call the number provided.
• If your e-filed return is rejected because of a duplicate filing under your Social Security number, or if the IRS instructs you to do so, complete, IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF. Use a fillable form at irs.gov, print, then attach the form to your return and mail your return according to instructions.
• Visit IdentityTheft.gov for steps you should take right away to protect yourself and your financial accounts.
• See: How It Works for more information about how the IRS can help you.
• If you previously contacted the IRS and did not have a resolution, contact them for specialized assistance at 800.908.4490. They have teams standing by to help you.