Unemployment fraud cases have increased

When people know there is “free money” to be had, their greater demons seem to be control of their actions.

The coronavirus crisis has led to a higher than usual unemployment numbers, and with unemployment comes the filing for benefits. The increase in filings has led to an increase in fraudulent attempts to collect some of those funds. A number of incidents have been reported in Wapakoneta and throughout Auglaize County.

Auglaize County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Doug Burke said residents are reporting unemployment claims are being filed in their names; officials with the county’s department of Jobs and Family Service have reported the same.

He said with scammers being professional, they can get information from anywhere.

“Today’s society is internetbased; everything is online. There are people that can break those firewalls,” Burke said.

Bret Crow, a communications official for the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, confirmed that there has been an increase in fraudulent filings.

“We have heard of an uptick of identity theft to file fraudulent unemployment claims. States all across the nation are experiencing the same,” Crow said.

County level data was not immediately available.

“We know that unemployment fraud is a widespread national challenge, and we've heard from claimants who are concerned about this issue. We flag claims that have indicators of fraud, and when there is evidence of fraud on a specific case, we forward it to law enforcement. When we are able to verify fraud, we stop payment on the claim,” Crow said.

There are several ways for individuals to alert ODJFS when they suspect they were victims of fraud.

“We encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud to contact us immediately,” Crowe said.

Victims can file reports on the department’s fraud page at jfs.ohio.gov/fraud and clicking on the "Unemployment Insurance Claimant" button, which will take the victim to a online form to fill out. Victims can also call 1-800-686-1555 and pressing Option 1 or fax information to 1-614-752-4808. Additionally they can send an email to ucbenprotest@jfs.ohio. gov.