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 that’s incorrect or for benefits not received.
Here are some actions to take if you are a victim of Unemployment Fraud:
1. Report the fraud to your employer.
Keep a record of who you spoke with and when.
Ask your employer to write “FRAUDULENT CLAIM” on the form they received and to fax it back to NYS (number is on the form).
2. As the employee, you should report the fraud to the New York State Department of Labor online at https://dol.ny.gov/report-fraud
Keep any confirmation or case number you get.
If you speak with anyone, keep a record of who you spoke with and when.
Once you file online they’ll suggest you follow the link to report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov
3. On the IdentityTheft.gov site you’ll report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission 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.
4. 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.