RESOURCING EDGE TAKES UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD SERIOUSLY
Unemployment fraud has been on a drastic rise across the nation with various state workforce agencies. According to the Department of Labor (DOL), for the 2020 reporting period, the national unemployment program reported an estimated national improper payment rate of 9.17%. State specifics can be found in Unemployment Insurance Payment Accuracy by State.
Unemployment claim fraud is considered Identity Theft. Resourcing Edge works directly with our clients to help protect their unemployment accounts, as well as their employees. We report all fraudulent claims to the respective state UI offices, requesting they deny benefits and cancel the claim immediately. If you suspect fraud unemployment identity theft, ACT IMMEDIATELY.
There is a multiagency effort to protect taxpayer dollars from this type of fraud-identity theft. The DOL, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and state investigative bodies have released alerts that a well-organized fraud ring has been targeting victims in all states. Governing agencies are working to catch the criminals perpetrating these acts and calling for everyone to report suspected fraud-identity theft as soon as it is discovered.
We assure you that Resourcing Edge is taking every precaution to safeguard your personal information. The DOL sites the signs below that, if received, indicate you may be a victim of unemployment identity theft:
Mail from a government agency about an unemployment claim or payment but you did not recently file for unemployment benefits. This includes unexpected payments or debit cards and could be from any state.
A 1099-G tax form reflecting unemployment benefits you were not expecting. Box 1 on this form may show unemployment benefits you did not receive or an amount that exceeds your records for the unemployment benefits you did receive. The form itself may be from a state in which you do not live or did not file for benefits.
While you are still employed, a notice from your employer indicating that your employer received a request for information about an unemployment claim in your name.
TAKE SWIFT ACTION PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY
The Federal Trade Commission, The State Attorney General, DOL, and Resourcing Edge recommend that you take the following steps:
Report unemployment identity theft to the state(s) where it occurred by following the steps in any government documents you receive, using the state directory listed on the documents you received, or by referring to the Unemployment Insurance Fraud Consumer Protection Guide (resource links on pg. 3-4).
Notify the Unemployment Department at Resourcing Edge at unemployment@resourcingedge.com.
File an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC will assist in a recovery plan.
File a complaint with the National Center for Disaster Fraud – This will replace the need to file a police report. The NCDF complaint will be reviewed and where appropriate, may be referred to federal, state, local, and international law enforcement, or regulatory agencies for investigation. NCDF Disaster Complaint Form.
Place a Fraud Alert on your credit cards by contacting one of the three credit bureaus: Experian Credit, TransUnion Credit, or Equifax Credit. The Fraud Alert is free for one year. The bureau you select is required to notify the other two credit bureaus once the alert is reported.
Take Advantage of Credit Monitoring to get a free credit report.
Visit the FTC Credit Freeze Instructions to prohibit any new credit application from being opened in your name.
LifeLock is an additional resource and a benefit provided through Resourcing Edge assisting our clients with Identity Theft Remediation. If you are a member, you can start your identity fraud report or sign up for member services through LifeLock Remediates Identity Theft or by calling the Members Services team at (800) 607-9174 during operating business hours (M-F, 9am-7pm EST).
- Unemployment identity theft fraud impacts all of us: employees, employers, and the states. It is imperative to quickly deny access to the claim before a payment is made to prevent any incorrect payments that may negatively impact the employee’s credit, their taxes, and to prevent any fraudulent charges to the employer’s unemployment account. All unemployment documents and inquiries are time-sensitive. As your employer representative, the Resourcing Edge Unemployment Department is required to respond on your behalf by specified deadlines to preserve appeal rights. Accurate and current information are essential components in the denial of fraudulent benefits.
We appreciate your continued partnership and trust!
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