Originally Posted on December 11, 2020

The Illinois Department of Employment Security has sent out a notice concerning an increase in Unemployment Insurance Identity Theft Fraud. A large number of cases have been reported in Chicago with Chicago Police Officers identified as victims.

If any of the below listed apply to you:

1. Receive a debit card or an unemployment insurance letter finding and have not filed a claim for benefits.
2. Notified by your employer that a claim for benefits has been filed when you have not been separated from employment.
3. Attempt to file a claim online and one already exists.
4. Receive IRS correspondence regarding unreported UI benefits.
5. Receive notice of s State or Federal tax offset.

You must call the Benefits Payment Control Division at (800) 814-0513

• Do not activate the debit card
• Do not contact Key Bank
• Document the incident with a police report for Deceptive Practice/Identity Theft $300 and Under
• Ensure the card is inventoried under the prepared police report

For further information refer to IDES website

https://www2.illinois.gov/Pages/Reporting_Unemployment_Insurance_Fraud.aspx

Please be aware that there is a form called “Acknowledgement Receipt for City of Chicago Department of Human Resources Notice of Possible Fraudulent Unemployment Claims. This form would have to be filled out and returned to Human Resources.