Kendall County State's Attorney issues advisory on unemployment insurance fraud

Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis has issued a reminder to county residents to be vigilant in the face of unemployment insurance fraud.

In a press release, Weis said since the beginning of the pandemic there has been a substantial increase in the amount of fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, both throughout the state and nationwide.

Weis advises that if you see something that looks unusual or receives information suggesting you or your employee has filed for unemployment insurance when there has been no change to you or your employee’s employment status, please promptly report that information and take all necessary steps to protect you or your employee’s identity and credit history.

The following guidance is intended to assist employers and employees in taking swift and effective action to minimize the damage caused by these fraudulent claims.

Employers:

*Notify the employee and inquire whether they have filed for unemployment benefits.

*Notify the Illinois Department of Employment Securities (IDES) and file an objection, if appropriate.

*File a report with local law enforcement.

*Provide IDES and any law enforcement or investigative agency with the information they need to investigate the situation.

Employee:

*Notify your employer and IDES (even if you believe your employer has already notified IDES).

*File a report with local law enforcement.

*Place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit report through one of the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

*Obtain and review a copy of your credit report through www.annualcreditreport.com. You may receive one free copy per week through April of 2021.

*Review your financial account statements monthly, or more frequently, if possible.

*Consider placing financial alerts on your savings or checking accounts, so you will be notified of purchases in excess of a certain dollar amount.

*Be on the lookout for unusual activity or notices, such as a notice regarding a change on your account you did not make, and follow up with the business to correct and report the information.

Resources and Contact Information:

The following is a list of agencies that can provide more information and even provide assistance should you find yourself to be a victim of a fraudulent unemployment insurance claim.

Illinois Department of Employment Security. Contact promptly regarding suspected unemployment insurance fraud. Phone: 1-800-814-0513.

Consumer Fraud Bureau. Branch of the Illinois Attorney General's Office which assist individuals in avoiding and recovering financially from identity theft. Phone hotline: 1-866-999-5630.

Federal Trade Commission. The FTC provides resources for consumers and businesses. Phone: 1-877-382-4357.