With the unprecedented number of unemployment claims recently, it has been reported that unemployment fraud is also on the rise. If you believe you’ve been a victim of unemployment fraud, here’s what to do next.
Contact the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to report the fraud: 405-557-7157 or
email fraud@oesc.state.ok.us.
File a local police report and keep a folder with all related materials, case numbers and notes.
Obtain a free credit report from Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. Let them know a fraudulent claim was made using your identity and provide them the case number from your police report. You also might look into having a fraud alert put on your identity or freeze your credit – both are free by law.
Experian 1-888-397-3742
Equifax 1-888-766-0008
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission and provide them with your case number.
Keep a paper trail with important information regarding the fraudulent claim. This will make it easy to reference later if needed. If you’ve not yet been a victim of unemployment fraud, take these precautionary steps to protect yourself.
Set up a unique PIN and security questions for your social security number with OESC: https://unemployment.state.ok.us/W3.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f
Consider setting up an IRS account using your social security number to prevent others from creating an account using your identity.
Consider locking your social security number using E-Verify.
Unemployment benefits are essential for so many families in the wake of COVID-19. Let’s do what we can to keep the funds out of scammers’ hands and reserve them for the people who need them most.
Blog by Nancy Roeming, Director of Human Resources
Category: Human Resources Team
