Unemployment Benefits Fraud Scheme

The Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) is committed to maintaining the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance Program. Here are ways you can protect yourself against identity theft and imposter fraud.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of personally identifiable information, such as Social Security or driver’s license numbers. Criminals use this information to impersonate someone else, usually for financial gain.

What is unemployment imposter fraud?

When someone illegally files an unemployment claim using another person’s personal and employment information.

TIPS TO AVOID UNEMPLOYMENT SCAMS

Be aware of false websites. Use only ESD’s official website
Applying for unemployment benefits is free. ESD will never ask for a payment to process your claim.
Be wary of solicitors asking for your personal information online or by phone. ESD will ask you for information through official correspondence and through your ESD eServices account. If we call you, you can ask the agents to identify themselves.

What should I do if I suspect I’m a victim of unemployment imposter fraud?

If you have reason to believe someone has applied for unemployment benefits using your information, report it immediately to ESD at esd.wa.gov/fraud.

If you are a victim:

You will not have to repay the money
You will still be able to apply for unemployment benefits it you need to.

What is ESD doing to prevent unemployment imposter fraud?

ESD works with other states and the federal government to cross match data to detect fraud. ESD also has hired additional fraud investigators and continues to use standard and creative information security practices.

What should I do if I’m a victim of identity theft?

Go to the Attorney General’s Recovering from identity theft or fraud web page and follow the instructions. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at identitytheft.gov or call 877-ID-THEFT. In addition, the FTC recommends that you:

File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review your credit reports periodically to ensure no new fraudulent activity has occurred
Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
Request your free credit reports via annualcreditreport.com and review them for other fraudulent activities.