Posted on by West Park Times

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services warns of unemployment fraud

STRAIGHT FROM CITY HALL NEWSLETTER

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has reported that thousands of new unemployment claims are being investigated as potential cases of fraud.  According to the ODJFS, in the week ending Feb. 6, there were 140,444 new unemployment claims filed in the state. That’s a 194% increase from the prior week.

If you suspect that your personal information has been stolen and/or you received a 1099-G tax form from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and did not apply for unemployment benefits in 2020, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services encourages you to do the following:

Step One: Report Identity Theft to ODJFS 
Visit https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/

  • Click “Report Identify Theft”
  • Click “Report Identify Theft Individuals” 

Complete the secure online form and submit. The ODJFS will issue confirmation emails to everyone who files a report with information about identity theft and protection. The agency will process the reports, conduct investigations and, if necessary, issue corrections to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on 1099s issued to victims. You can also call the Ohio Unemployment ID Theft Hotline at (833) 658-0394. 

Step Two: 

How to File Your Taxes (if you received a 1099-G): Please follow the IRS guidance to taxpayers on identity theft involving unemployment benefits. You can find it here. 

Step Three: Protect Your Identity 
Many resources are available for victims of identity theft to help them protect their identities. ODJFS strongly urges anyone who suspects they may be a victim of identity theft to take appropriate action to protect themselves. Here are some recommended resources: 

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