Unemployment Insurance Fraud

In recent months, the IDES (Illinois Dept. of Employment Security) has reported a rise in fraudulent unemployment claims.

 

The scam involves people receiving a letter from unemployment notifying them of a change of address, confirmation of an unemployment claim and / or a debit card with directions to activate to receive their funds. Additionally, some employers are receiving notifications from IDES to certify employment history.

 

The “bad guys” want you to activate the card and provide additional information during the process of authorization, i.e. social security number, date of birth, etc.

 

Be advised – DO NOT ACTIVATE THE CARD. Contact IDES and report yourself as a victim of this fraud.

 

Steps to be taken if you have received an IDES card that may be fraud:

1. Log in to the Illinois Department of Employment Security website on Fraud.

Illinois Department of Employment Security Fraud Page- https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/Reporting_Unemployment_Insurance_Fraud.aspx

 

2. Log in to each of the credit bureaus and put a fraud alert on your credit file.

Trans Union –  https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Equifax – https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/

Experian – https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html

 

3. Sign up for Savvy Money on your PFCU online account.

By signing up for Savvy Money you will have free access to your Credit Report , Credit Score and will also receive notifications if anyone is having credit run with your name and information.