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Unemployment Insurance Fraud for Employers

(Updated 3/9/21) Scammers are exploiting state unemployment insurance programs across the country by filing for benefits using stolen names and Social Security numbers. If your small business or nonprofit is affected, you must act quickly to stop a fraudulent claim from being paid. (If you’re not an employer, click here.)

Signs scammers are using your business or nonprofit’s accounts:

• You receive separation letters or claims approval notices from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for employees who were never unemployed, who left your company long ago or who have never worked for you.
• Employees tell you they’ve received unemployment benefit payment cards or 1099G tax forms from ODJFS even though they were never laid off or let go.
• You receive unusual or suspicious communications from ODJFS. Do not use links or numbers in suspicious communications unless you verify they are accurate.

What you should do:

1. Immediately report a fraudulent separation notice or approval through your online ODJFS account. Only ODJFS can stop a bogus claim from being paid.
2. If you can’t report through your account, visit unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov (click the Report Identity Theft link to navigate to the reporting form for employers) or call 833-658-0394 (The toll-free line is staffed from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.)
3. Visit unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov (click the Report Identity Theft link) to see employer FAQs on how fraudulent unemployment claims could affect your organization. 4) Provide affected employees with the Recovering from Unemployment Insurance Fraud tip sheet posted under the scams tab at consumeraffairs.cuyahogacounty.us

Stuck? Small businesses and nonprofits in Cuyahoga County who encounter problems reporting unemployment fraud can call Consumer Affairs at 216-443-SCAM (7226) for assistance. Consumer Affairs cannot process unemployment fraud reports, but it may be able to help you bring a problem reporting fraud to ODJFS’ attention. Only ODJFS can determine whether a claim is fraudulent.

Scam Squad is a multiagency task force organized by the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs. Our members are committed to combatting fraud and assisting scam victims.

 

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