Cases of Identity Theft Have Increased Dramatically Since Initial Warning [UPDATED]

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5TC received the following update from the office of Rep. Kathleen Rice

Feb 12, 2021

Good Morning,

Due to the increase of fraudulent UI claims, NYSDOL has created an online reporting system where individuals can report suspected fraud. Using the online reporting system is the most efficient and effective way for Individuals to address these concerns. Individuals can report unemployment insurance fraud here: https://webapps.labor.ny.gov/dews/ui/fraud/report-fraud.shtm.

In addition to measures like placing a fraud alert with any one of the three national credit bureaus, reporting identify theft on the Federal Trade Commission’s page, and running a credit report to check for suspicious addresses or accounts, any individuals who received KeyBank debit cards are advised to destroy the cards. Please note that stolen identities used to file such fraudulent claims are not the result of a DOL breach. Rather, scammers are using previously-stolen information which they have likely had for years from major data breaches

Thank you


Many Recent Reports of Identity Theft Locally, See Details & Protect Yourself
Feb 11, 2021

Since last Thursday, there have been at least 8 confirmed reports of identity theft in our area. These victims were made aware that somebody had applied for their ‘Unemployment Payments’ under their credentials. At this time, the victims were fully employed and never applied for such funds. Many individuals have complained to us that they have been victims of the fraud and would like to know where they can turn for help.

Normally, fraud is an issue handled by the Federal government but due to the pandemic, it has been given over to local officials. All cases of fraud and identity theft in our community are currently being handled by the office of Rep. Kathleen Rice. 5TC spoke with her office this morning and they have confirmed that there has been a substantial uptick of identity theft reports in the Five Towns and Far Rockaway area. So far, the reports show that the scammers have been using social security numbers to collect for standard unemployment and pandemic unemployment assistance.

If you suspect that you are a victim of Identity Theft, you can reach out to Kathleen Rice’s office at 516-739-3008.

You should also contact the fraud unit of each of the three major credit bureaus; request that a “fraud alert” be placed on your file. The information regarding the credit bureaus is as follows:

Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-916-8800

You can also visit the Federal Trade Commission website, which will help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation, by clicking HERE. The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a national clearinghouse for complaints concerning Identity Theft. Although the FTC does not have the authority to bring criminal cases, the Commission does provide valuable information to victims of Identity Theft to assist them in resolving the financial as well as other problems caused by this crime.

You can take preventative steps by running a free credit report to check for suspicious activity associated with your social security, by visiting Annualcreditreport.com or you can call them at 877-322-8228. Another way to protect yourself is by signing up for a service like Lifelock.com or other identity theft protection companies.



1 COMMENT

  1. The Department of labor are completely useless. Someone has been collecting UI in my name since JULY. i filed a complaint i filed a police report, back on September. My boss has mailed and faxed countless papers attesting to the fact i still have a job and as of the beginning of this month they are still paying out.
    The Department of labor knows i am working cause they see i am still paying unemployment insurance and taxes, yet the same office is paying out UI to this theif. The entire government system is broken. Now i am filing my taxes next week and of course the irs will probably try to collect taxes on a Ui claim that was fraud.
    Btw when u call the fraud department they will ask you for your pin to get into your account. The idiot who filed in my name created a new profile with all my information so he is the only one with the pin.

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