Client Alert | Labor and Employment | unemployment Insurance Fraud

The American Rescue Plan

Dear Clients and Friends:

We have received a number of reports of unemployment insurance claims being filed in the name of employees (or business owners) who have not claimed unemployment.  Typically, a separate account is set up where the money is delivered and immediately withdrawn.

It is very important that you review all claims for unemployment insurance, even if you do not typically contest unemployment claims.

If you find fraud, you may report it here:

WHERE TO REPORT FRAUD?

New York https://webapps.labor.ny.gov/dews/ui/fraud/report-fraud.shtm
New York https://labor.ny.gov/agencyinfo/report-fraud.shtm
New York and Other States https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/UIIDtheft

 

Because some of the benefits are federal benefits, you may also call the local FBI office, however, they are likely to direct you to the state reporting line.

Not all affected employees will experience identity theft beyond the claim of unemployment insurance benefits; however, it is wise to advise all employees who may be a victim of identity theft about resources available to them.

Reporting identity theft and for helpful information about identity theft https://www.identitytheft.gov/know-your-rights
What to watch for when monitoring for identity theft https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0271-warning-signs-identity-theft

 

You may also wish to offer employees to options such as Life Lock or ID Shield, which can assist (for a fee) with identity theft resolution.

Life Lock https://www.lifelock.com/learn-identity-theft-resources-do-these-things-immediately-if-your-identity-has-been-stolen.html
ID Shield https://www.idshield.com/faq

We have received a number of reports of unemployment insurance claims being filed in the name of employees (or business owners) who have not claimed unemployment.  Typically, a separate account is set up where the money is delivered and immediately withdrawn.

It is very important that you review all claims for unemployment insurance, even if you do not typically contest unemployment claims.

If you find fraud, you may report it here:

WHERE TO REPORT FRAUD?
New York https://webapps.labor.ny.gov/dews/ui/fraud/report-fraud.shtm
New York https://labor.ny.gov/agencyinfo/report-fraud.shtm
New York and Other States https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/unemployment-insurance-payment-accuracy/report-unemployment-insurance-fraud

 

Because some of the benefits are federal benefits, you may also call the local FBI office, however, they are likely to direct you to the state reporting line.

Not all affected employees will experience identity theft beyond the claim of unemployment insurance benefits; however, it is wise to advise all employees who may be a victim of identity theft about resources available to them.

Reporting identity theft and for helpful information about identity theft https://www.identitytheft.gov/know-your-rights
What to watch for when monitoring for identity theft https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0271-warning-signs-identity-theft

 

You may also wish to offer employees to options such as Life Lock or ID Shield, which can assist (for a fee) with identity theft resolution.

Life Lock https://www.lifelock.com/learn-identity-theft-resources-do-these-things-immediately-if-your-identity-has-been-stolen.html
ID Shield https://www.idshield.com/faq

 

Contact Your HH&K Attorney for Legal Guidance

This information is not legal advice and may not be suitable for all client situations.  This Client Alert provides general information on current labor and employment issues and does not outline all of the important considerations related thereto.

This Client Alert is not a substitute for legal guidance regarding program details and how those may be applicable to your business.   As always, if we can be of assistance with these programs or any other matters, please do not hesitate to contact your HH&K attorney.

Click here for a printable version of this Client Alert.

 

Thomas A. Conlon, Jr.
Partner
80 Exchange Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: (607) 231-6744
Email
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John C. Fish
Partner
80 Exchange Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: (607) 231-6712
Email
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dawn J. Lanouette
Partner
80 Exchange Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: (607) 231-6917
Email
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2021 by Hinman, Howard & Kattell LLP. This Client Alert is provided as a general information service to clients and friends of Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP. It should not be construed as, and does not constitute legal advice on any specific matter, nor does this message create an attorney-client relationship. These materials may be considered Attorney Advertising in some states.