Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) is warning Illinois residents about an increase in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims that have been filed in the state.
“I want to help make everyone in our community aware of the increased risk of identity theft occurring at the present time, so that each of us can do what we are able to protect ourselves from falling prey to fraud and to respond quickly to any suspicious activity,” said Keicher in a post on his website.
As stated on Keicher’s website, residents may be at risk for unemployment insurance fraud if they haven’t applied for unemployment benefits but have received an unemployment insurance finding letter from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), a debit card or direct deposit from IDES, correspondence from the IRS related to unreported benefits, and/or a notice of state or federal tax offset.
Individuals who suspect a fraudulent unemployment claim was submitted using their identity are advised to report the fraud to the IDES, file a police report, and check their credit report for other fraudulent activities.
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