Blog Post  What to do if You’re a Victim of Unemployment Insurance Fraud

Unemployment fraud takes place when an individual utilizes your personal information to submit a claim for unemployment benefits. This blog aims to explain the concept of unemployment fraud, provide guidance on preventive measures, and offer steps to take if you discover that someone is illicitly using your identity to wrongfully obtain unemployment insurance benefits. 

What is Unemployment Fraud?  

Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fraud happens when someone uses your personal information to file for unemployment benefits in your name and without your knowledge. DUA commonly refers to this individual as a “fraudster”, an individuals who could be anyone. Therefore, it is crucial never to disclose your personal information to others. 

What are Common Scam Techniques?  

If you get a call from someone presenting themselves as a Department of Unemployment Assistance representative telling you that you need to pay a fee to file for unemployment benefits, do not give any information to the caller or send money. Additionally, several websites advertise that they can assist claimants in filing for unemployment benefits. The safest way to file unemployment insurance benefits is through www.Mass.gov/DUA. Other scams include email and texting phishing, false job offers, and paid online surveys. Click here for more information about scam techniques.   

 
What Should You Do If You Are a Victim of Unemployment Fraud?  

If you believe someone has applied for unemployment benefits using your personal information, use this secure fraud reporting form to alert us. If you believe your identity has been stolen and a fraudulent unemployment claim has been filed on your behalf, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:  

1. File a police report with your local police department. Get a copy of the report to provide to creditors and credit agencies.  

2. Change passwords on your email, banking, and other personal accounts.  

3. Make a list of credit card companies, banks, and other financial institutions where you do business. Tell them you are a victim of identity theft, and ask them to put a fraud alert on your account.  

4. Get a copy of your credit report and dispute any fraudulent transactions. You can request credit reports online from the 3 major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) or by calling (877) 322-8228.   

5. Place a credit freeze with each major credit reporting agency. 

6. Place a fraud alert on your credit file. You can do this by contacting one of the credit agencies.  

7. Notify your employer as soon as possible.  

8. Tell the National Center for Disaster Fraud. 

9. Take notes about all conversations and keep copies of all records.  

The Department of Unemployment Assistance's top priority is to protect unemployment claimants and make sure money disbursed through the system is going to valid unemployment claims. Upon review of your Fraud Reporting Form submission, DUA’s Program Integrity team will make note of the submission on the claim filed in your name and lock the claim, which will cease activity on that claim. 

Blog by MassLWD Communications Staff. Find our official agency accounts: Mass.gov/LWD