Ask Terry Questions Illinois Unemployment – rec’d a letter but never applied

Illinois Unemployment – rec’d a letter but never applied

By Terry Savage on September 02, 2020 | Wild Card

Hi Terry,
I just received a letter in the mail from IDES confirming unemployment benefits. I never applied for Unemployment. I am going to call IDES on Monday to let them know. Is 800-244-5631 the number to call or is there a different number? I will contact the credit agencies to freeze my credit? What else should I be doing? Thank you for you help.

Terry Says

Read the instructions here
That includes freezing your credit report asap. READ the report and check for inquiries from a bank. That’s probably where the fraudsters sent your money. Contact that bank immediately.

Also call 1-800-CALL FBI or go to www.tips.FBI.gov and report this immediately.
Then go to the IDES website and click on the link for “report fraud.”

Take a screenshot of your attempt to report fraud at both the FBI and IDES websites. I’m guessing that in January you’ll receive a 1099 for unemployment benefits you never received! And it will be helpful to have proof that at least you TRIED to report it!

Don’t delay

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