UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AGENCY CONTINUES TO DEAL WITH FRAUD ISSUES
By Susan Wagner
We are seeing the rise in identity theft, including in the unemployment benefits area. Unemployment identity theft not only causes inconvenience and loss of funds, it could result in wages being garnished, tax refunds being intercepted and more.
When a person files a claim for unemployment, they will receive from the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Form UIA 1575C (Monetary Determination). Reviewing this form may be the best way to stop a fraudulent claim from being paid. The monetary determination will provide information about whether or not the person is entitled to receive benefits, when the claim was filed, and information about wages and the reasons for unemployment. If you receive a monetary determination and you have not applied for unemployment benefits, or the name or other information on the form is not yours, contact the UIA.
When is identity theft discovered? Some examples include:
- The victim attempts to file an unemployment claim and one already exists for them.
- The victim receives an IRS statement of benefits collected (Form 1099G) from the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).
- The victim's federal or state income taxes are intercepted.
- The victim's employer is notified that a claim for benefits has been filed when the victim is still employed.
What should you do if you believe you are a victim of unemployment identity theft?
- Contact the UIA to report the fraud. Reporting can be done online or by calling 1-855-842-7463.
- Report in person to the nearest UIA Problem Resolution Office with a government issued photo ID and one other form of identification to complete form UIA 6349, "Affidavit of Identity Theft".
- File a police report.
- Report the payment to the IRS as a fraudulent payment by completing an IRS affidavit, Form 14039.
