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Unemployment compensation fraud is a common type of fraud which occurs when a scammer uses your personal information to fraudulently file for unemployment assistance. In many situations, victims are only made aware that their personal information has been compromised when they receive a letter from a government agency or are contacted their employer about an unemployment claim they did not file. New Tripoli Bank is committed to informing and protecting our customers from scams and fraud and ensuring their personal and financial information is safe. Here is what you need to know about unemployment compensation fraud to keep yourself protected.
Recognize and Avoid UC Scams
The scammers behind the unemployment compensation fraud appear to be using Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information to apply for and receive unemployment benefits. In many situations, the victims are unaware that their personal information has been compromised.
The following are some warning signs of a possible scam:
- For workers – receiving any type of correspondence that you filed an unemployment claim when you did not file a claim for benefits.
- For employers – if you notice a claim has been filed for one or more of your employees who are still working.
Take these steps to protect yourself:
- Never give out your personal information over email or text message.
- Don't wire money, and always ignore the following requests:
- Communications related to your unemployment compensation benefits from someone asking for money;
- Someone who claims they can help you file for your benefits for a fee; and
- Anyone claiming to work for the PA Department of Labor & Industry saying they need a fee to complete your application.
- Don't open or respond to unsolicited emails or text messages.
- Never give out your personal information on websites or social media channels – especially those that claim they can help you apply for unemployment benefits. Remember: third parties can't apply for your benefits.
- Don't trust or rely on information from unofficial websites – always visit www.uc.pa.gov for Pennsylvania unemployment program information.
- If you file a claim, save the following unemployment phone numbers to your phone so you know you're receiving a legitimate call from the PA Department of Labor & Industry:
- For regular unemployment compensation: 888-313-7284
- For pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA): 855-284-8545
The Department of Labor & Industry will ask you for some personal identification information, including the last four digits of your Social Security number, if they call you, but they will never ask for your full SSN unless you call them directly. New Tripoli Bank encourages everyone to remain vigilant and to report fraud or any potential concerns of fraud to the PA Department of Labor & Industry.
Reporting Unemployment Compensation Fraud
To report someone who has filed for unemployment compensation benefits using your personal information such as your name, Social Security Number, and date of birth without your knowledge or consent, please visit the UC Benefits Website and click "Report Fraud" at the bottom of the page to complete and submit the Identity Theft Form. Do not log in.
You can also file a report by phone by calling the PA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-692-7469. Make sure you review the Identity Theft form in the link above to ensure you have all the information prepared to provide your report.
You may also want to file a police report with the municipality you resided in at the time the unemployment benefits in question were paid. A copy of the police report must be provided to the Office of Unemployment Compensation.
- The US Department of Labor is recommending that victims of ID Theft should be reporting their information to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. You may also start a recovery plan with the Federal Trade Commission.
- The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office has also provided some helpful tips and instructions to consumers to check your credit more often through the COVID-19 emergency.
If you were a victim of identity theft, it is very important to report the fraud activity to the Department and return the money. Doing so will remove these fraudulent payments from being reported as income on the end of the year 1099G distribution.
What You Should Do If You Receive Benefits For Which You Did Not Apply
Anyone who receives a paper check in the mail and did not file for unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania should not cash the checks. Cashing the checks or using direct deposited funds knowing that you have not applied for unemployment benefits may be deemed fraud and repayment will be required.
Individuals should write "void" on the check and return it to:
Pennsylvania Treasury Department
651 Boas Street
Room 400 L&I Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Anyone who receives a direct deposit and did not file for unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania should not use the funds. Using the funds knowing that you have not applied for unemployment benefits may be deemed fraud and repayment will be required.
The funds should be returned to:
Department of Labor and Industry
651 Boas St., Room 500
Harrisburg, PA 17121
Payments must be made by personal check, cashier's check, certified check, or money order to the "PA UC Fund".
Anyone who receives a US Bank ReliaCard in error should not activate the card. To aid Treasury's internal investigation operations and prevent a fraudulent expenditure of Commonwealth funds, any person who erroneously receives a US Bank ReliaCard should return the card by mail.
Return the US Bank ReliaCard by mail to:
Pennsylvania Treasury Department
651 Boast Street
Room 400 L&I Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Whenever you are returning benefits, please include a brief signed statement with the reason you are returning the check/funds/bank card and include your printed name, address, last four of your social security number, phone number and email address.