Identity theft is not new in Illinois nor throughout the United States. Unfortunately, there has been a rash of unemployment insurance fraud during this pandemic, especially within the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.

The surge in cases of Unemployment Insurance Fraud/Identity Theft in Illinois prompted the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) to launch an investigation into its federal PUA program in July 2020. The scheme has become so widespread that the FBI has gotten involved.

More than 200,000 fraudulent claims have been identified by IDES (42,000 in the regular employment system and nearly 170,000 in the new federal PUA program) since Spring.  Many of the victims reporting these irregularities received letters from the IDES stating that an unemployment claim has been filed even though they are still employed.  The IDES letter, called “UI Finding” includes sensitive personal information such as the name of your employer, previous four quarters wages, the last day worked and the reason for your unemployed status.  Finally, the letter advises that a debit card is pending.

If left unreported, these imposter UI claims could lead to future tax issues because the government will send a form stating that you received benefits, and you will be taxed on those benefits even though you did not receive the funds.

Victims of imposter UI claims should immediately follow the steps below:

• Report the fraud to your employer.
• Call the IDES Benefit Payment Control Division at (800) 814-0513 or use the Contact Form to report the fraud.
• Do not activate the debit card mailed to you.
• Keep the card so it may be used as evidence at a later date.
• Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.
• Contact the FBI at (800) 225-5324 or visit fbi.gov to alert them.
• Complete IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit.
• Check your credit report for fraudulent activity at annualcreditreport.com.

While it is not known how these scammers obtained your personal information, there are ways to protect yourself. If you have any further questions, please contact us at (847) 444-1040.