Kansas is seeing an increase in reports or unemployment claim fraud due to identity theft.
Fraudulent claims are being filed using the names and personal information of people who have not lost their jobs. People are often unaware a claim has been made on their behalf until they receive a determination notice in the mail or until their employer receives a notice to verify the employee’s status.
If you suspect a claim has been improperly filed using your identity or your employees’ identity, please contact the Kansas Department of Labor. They will investigate your claim, suspend the fraudulent account if suspicious activity is found and refer the matter over to law enforcement for action. It is recommended to follow these steps:
Notify all three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion & Experian and request a “fraud alert” on your credit report.- Contact your banks and credit card companies. Follow their advice as to whether you should close your account.
- Contact the Social Security Administration. Order a copy of your Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement in order to check the accuracy of your work history on file with the SSA.
- Notify the Internal Revenue Service. Request a copy of your Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS.
- Go to ftc.gov to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
By: Brenda Langdon
