Division of Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment Fraud

Unemployment Insurance is a safety net for you and your family. It is a crime to fraudulently collect unemployment insurance benefits. Do not jeopardize your benefits by committing fraud.

We look for and aggressively pursue all unemployment insurance fraud. We cross-match our data with other state and federal government agencies to confirm the work status and unreported earnings of people who claim unemployment insurance benefits. We conduct random investigations to review your eligibility, payroll records, and work search contacts. If your case is picked for a spot check, we will contact you to schedule an interview.

If you suspect someone is illegally collecting unemployment benefits or committing fraud, please report it to us.

You are committing fraud if you:

Knowingly do not report earnings. You must report all earnings, from all employers, even if you have not been paid yet. If you are in doubt, report the earnings.
Do not give the true reason why you became unemployed.
Hide or lie about any fact that could make you ineligible for benefits or reduce your benefit amount.
Use someone else’s identity to claim or get benefits.
Do not tell us that you have returned to work.
Allow someone else to certify for benefits on your behalf.
Alter, buy, sell or counterfeit a Social Security card. This is a felony under federal law. Felony crimes are punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.

If you commit fraud:

You may face criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
You may incur severe fines and penalties.
Your state or federal income tax refunds may be garnished to satisfy any money owed.
You can be denied unemployment benefits in the future.
You must repay the benefits you received — plus interest and penalties.

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