There has been a sharp rise in unemployment fraud amid the current pandemic. Federal and state agencies are investigating substantial fraud schemes involving stolen personal identifying information to fraudulently claim unemployment benefits.

Criminals are applying for unemployment with stolen personal information and requesting direct deposit for these financial benefits. Once the deposits are made to their accounts, the funds are either withdrawn, transferred to other accounts, or transferred overseas. Unemployment insurance fraud and identity theft are crimes that affect everyone, including businesses, employees and claimants.

If you believe you have been affected by unemployment fraud, contact us and/or review materials at the Federal Trade Commission.