Bogus Unemployment Benefit paid to someone in my name!
Dear Terry….
I got caught up in the unemployment fraud scheme…In Early July
I got the card naming me in the mail and was baffled because I am retired, and , although I work as an independent contractor for my church I have filed and paid income taxes on my church income for 4 years as a “self employed” person per the church’s instructions.
I did not need the state benefit and did not apply, for it. We spoke to my son, who was furloughed from his job, has a similar name, and he said it sounded like the card he received and explained what he had to do to use it. My son has since been recalled to work and is no longer getting state money. I called the number on the card to protest a mistake, probably answered to many questions to try and rectify that mistake and never did anything further with the card, just held onto it. My wife hears you on WGN and reads you regularly and began to fill me in…I didn’t feel good.
I made several attempts to call the state (never received a return call until today (8/13)…was advised the card was approved/issued around 7/1 and tapped for funds by direct deposit until mid July….so the state is out some money. I was advised by the lady from the state that a fraud claim has been filed effective 8/13/…what does that mean? As you directed, we placed fraud alerts on all the three credit reports . I am guessing we also should get current copies of those credit reports. What do we look for on the written credit reports when they come and what do we do if something looks wrong.
How could this complicate next year’s taxes…
Thank you for your time and help
Terry Says
Oh, wow. You are indeed in the midst of the identity theft crisis.
Follow the instructions on the link below.
It is especially important that you make a file documenting your attempt to notify the state of this fraud. Did you get anything written or by email from IDES when they told you they had put a fraud alert on your IDES account? If so, be sure to print it out and save it!
Next, contact the FBI online and file a fraud claim. Instructions are below. Take a “screen shot” of that fraud complaints.
And file a police report, telling them what IDES told you about moneys being paid out. Keep a copy of that police report.
This will help you in January when you receive a 1099 from the govt asking you to pay taxes on money you did not receive! (I can see that this will be a HUGE issue in January for a LOT of people!)
Here is the link to the complete article with instructions:
Then relax. You didn’t do anything wrong. Just keep watching your existing accounts. Since you’ve frozen your credit no one can open new accounts. And they’ve probably gotten all they want out of you!
