Many individuals have had their personal information compromised, hacked or breached by fraudsters in a large-scale scam involving phony unemployment benefits claims. If someone has applied for benefits using your personal information, it may have been stolen and misused by fraudsters for unemployment benefits.

Report Identity theft

I didn’t file a claim, but I received an unemployment insurance email or letter from you. What happened?

Unfortunately, someone has obtained your personal information and used it to file an unemployment claim on your behalf to illegally receive benefits. Crime rings across the globe are attempting to commit large scale fraud against multiple state unemployment insurance programs. If you did not apply for unemployment benefits, do not click on any identity verification links or register with ID.me.

Most people are unaware that claims have been filed and/or that benefits have been collected using their identities. You may be a victim of unemployment identity theft if you did not apply for benefits, but received one of the following from the department:

• Mail about an unemployment insurance claim.
• A 1099-G tax form.
• A notice to your employer requesting information about your unemployment claim.

How did they get my information?

Businesses across the world have had their information compromised, hacked or breached by fraudsters and personal information has been stolen and misused by fraudsters not only for unemployment fraud but for other financial gain such as credit card fraud and mortgage fraud.

Has the department been hacked?

No, the department’s unemployment insurance system has not been hacked. We keep information secure and use the highest level of computer security to keep information safe.

What should I do to report this to the Idaho Department of Labor?

The fastest way is to use this form.

We will ensure no further benefits are paid and will ensure that if benefits have been paid, that they have not been paid to you. If we have questions after you submit your information, we will reach out to you, and there is no need to call.

What can I do to protect my identity?

Report unemployment identity theft to the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud. Select ‘COVID-19 (Coronavirus)’ as the disaster that relates to your complaint and check the Unemployment Insurance-Related Identity Theft box for the reason that applies to the conduct you are reporting. You can also find helpful information, including resources and information such as credit bureau contact information on the U.S. Department of Labor website.

What is the department doing about this?

Unfortunately, most states have experienced similar difficulties, and this is a nationwide problem. The department contracted with ID.me for online identity verification in December. Identity verification was fully integrated into the initial claim application process in May, greatly reducing fraudulently filed claims. We have a responsibility to taxpayers to ensure that benefits are only going to people who are entitled to them. The department is working closely with the U.S. Department of Labor, the Office of the Inspector General, the FBI and other law enforcement entities on this situation.