What you need to know about fraudulent unemployment claims

In the past year, the number of fraudulent unemployment claims filed in the United States has dramatically increased. This is not an issue that is unique to the state of Ohio.

If an Ohio State employee is notified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) or Human Resources at Ohio State that a claim has been filed under their name, there are resources available to help navigate through what can be a stressful situation.

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) is asking employers and victims to report fraud via their newly designed fraud portal at unemployment.ohio.gov. By using this online portal, the claim will be flagged as fraudulent and stop future benefits from being paid in error. Human Resources will submit the employers’ portion of this report for Ohio State’s fraudulent claims.

What to Expect

Some individuals may become aware that a suspected fraudulent unemployment claim was filed in their name when they receive a 1099-G form from ODJFS. If an employee has received a 1099-G from ODJFS and they did not file for unemployment benefits, they should report the claim immediately to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services via the fraud portal mentioned above. Upon validating the claim was indeed fraudulent, ODJFS will issue an amended 1099-G.

Other individuals may be notified via email from Human Resources at Ohio State that an Ohio unemployment claim has been filed using the employees’ information. If this is the case, and the employee did not file an unemployment claim, HR will ask the individual to report the claim as fraudulent to the ODJFS by visiting the Ohio Unemployment Help website and clicking the red “Report Identity Theft” button. Ohio Unemployment now requests this be reported directly by the individual who suspects someone has used their personal information to claim unemployment benefits. Please note: the ODJFS form online requires you to provide your name, address, phone number, date of birth, and social security number when reporting fraud. 

Ohio State Human Resources does not have access to unemployment claims in the state’s system and cannot confirm what information or data was used, or what person(s) may have filed the claim in your name.

The following information is requested when filing an unemployment claim in Ohio:

  • Social Security number
  • Driver’s license or state ID number
  • Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address
  • Name, address, telephone number, and dates of employment with each employer worked for during the past 6 weeks of employment
  • If not a U.S. citizen or national: alien registration number and expiration date
  • Regular occupation and job skills

Additional Resources

If you would like to explore resources available if you suspect or confirm that a fraudulent unemployment claim has been filed using your personal information:

  • To speak to the Ohio Unemployment Fraud Unit directly, you may call the fraud line at: 800-686-1555.
  • Visit ODJFS’ unemployment Identify Theft and 1099 Resources page for additional information and FAQs.
  • Ohio State’s EAP provider offers Identify Theft Protection and Recovery Assistance. An EAP consultation may recommend filing a police report regarding the fraudulent claim and/or add any “identity theft protection” service available on your credit and bank cards.
  • The Consumer Protection Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office contains helpful information on a wide range of topics.

While identity theft is not preventable, it is important to take steps to protect and secure personal information to the extent possible.  Please review the online security information available on the OCIO website.

Any employee who finds themselves the victim of a fraudulent unemployment claim from a state other than Ohio can report the incident to the state in which the fraudulent claim was filed. A list of resources is available by state.

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