Be Cautious Of Unemployment Fraud

Unemployment fraud in the U.S. reached new highs in 2020, with criminals grasping at the opportunity created by the pandemic. Reportedly using stolen personal information to file for and receive unemployment benefits. The problem hits especially hard for victims, who can face delays getting their legitimate benefits, are at risk for further fraud, and are left to resolve much of the problem themselves.

What to do if you have fallen victim to this:

• Report the fraud at the FTC's identity theft website.

• Reach out to each of the three credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, to put a fraud alert on your account and freeze your credit.

• Only report your actual income. The state is responsible for issuing an updated 1099-G after you report the fraud.

• Always file your taxes as soon as possible. It becomes much more difficult to do so if a criminal has filed taxes in your name.

• Taxpayers who are identity theft victims should consider getting an IRS Identity Protection PIN, a six-digit number that helps prevent thieves from filing federal tax returns in the names of their victims.

We’re always here to help you fight fraud!

Identity thieves and hackers have long known how to use stolen identities to commit fraud, the pandemic only furthering this existing issue. While we cannot do anything to stop scammers from looking for new ways to commit fraud, our Team at St. Tammany FCU is here to help you stay informed, monitor your personal information, and report fraud when it happens!