Identity thieves and hackers have long known how to use stolen identities to commit fraud – for example, to open a new credit card or file a false tax return – and criminals using stolen identities to defraud public assistance programs is not new. In fact, such schemes are so pervasive that federal rules require Illinois to have staff dedicated to preventing and stopping fraudulent activity in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system.
How can I spot unemployment insurance identity theft?

• You receive a debit card or an unemployment insurance letter (UI Finding) and have not filed a claim for benefits.
• You are notified by your employer that a claim for benefits has been filed when you have not been separated from employment.
• You attempt to file a claim online and one already exits.
• You receive IRS correspondence regarding unreported UI benefits.
• You receive notice of a state or federal tax offset.

What steps should I take if I receive a debit card or a UI Finding letter, and did not file for unemployment benefits? If you suspect a claim has been submitted using your information, and you have not applied for unemployment insurance benefits in Illinois, take steps as follows:

• Report the fraudulent claim with IDES here or by calling (800) 814-0513.
• DO NOT activate the debit card that was mailed to you.
• DO NOT contact KeyBank.
• Request your free credit reports via www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228 and review them for other fraudulent activities.

After you report to IDES that you were the victim of identity theft, go to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and take steps to protect yourself from further acts of fraud.

Consider placing a free credit freeze on your credit. Find out more information about a credit freeze and how to place one on the FTC website.

Our police department also recommends filing a police report with your local police agency. In Mount Prospect, that can be done by calling 9-1-1.

Click here for a printable flyer with the above information