Unemployment Fraud

This year, many Coloradans have had to file unemployment claims as the pandemic forced business closures. Unfortunately, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has received 1 million fraudulent unemployment claims, making it even harder for Coloradans who truly lost their jobs to access the benefits they needed.

Unemployment fraud has also impacted employers and employees. Below is a resource guide compiled from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), the Colorado Attorney General’s office and various online resources to help you navigate unemployment benefits and instances of fraud.

Unemployment Insurance During COVID-19 Webinar

Denver Metro Chamber Unemployment Insurance Fraud Webinar

RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS

If your employees have experienced unemployment fraud:

  • If a claim is filed using the stolen identity of one of your employees, you will receive a questionnaire by email or U.S. mail from the UI SIDES E-Response Team requesting information about the job separation.
    • If that employee is still employed and they state they did not file a claim, you should submit an online fraud report to the CDLE as soon as possible.
    • Also, notify your employee as soon as possible and encourage them to also submit an online fraud report to CDLE as soon as possible. CDLE often does not have victim contact information and needs employers’ help to notify employees who are victims of fraud.
  • If any benefits were paid that would charge against your account prior to the claim being closed as a fraudulent claim, once the claim was closed for the fraudulent activity, your account was re-credited for any benefits that might have been paid.
  • Payment of any of those benefits will not impact your experience rating when your premium rates are calculated.
  • If you have questions, CDLE has a dedicated employer line. Call (303) 318-9100.

Protect Your Employees Against Identity Theft – CDLE

Identity Theft Q&A for Employers – CDLE

Employer Frequently Asked Questions – CDLE

RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES

If you have experienced unemployment fraud:

  • Report the fraud to CDLE and U.S. Bank through their respective forms. You can also call U.S. Bank at 1-855-282-6161.
    • Access the CDLE form.
      • Note: CDLE uses a Google form, which is secure. The form and the sheet are secure, and transmission of data (data in flight) is secure and encrypted.
    • Access the U.S. Bank form.
  • If you’ve received a 1099-G document from CDLE but did not file a claim for unemployment benefits, report your invalid 1099-G form here.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit with the three credit bureaus and invest in credit monitoring.
    • Unemployment is relatively harmless to your credit, but with the information gained, a fraudulent claim can be used in ways that have a larger impact on your credit.
    • Credit Bureau Contact Info: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 | Experian: 1-888-397-3742 | TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  • If your municipal police department is accepting unemployment fraud reports, file a police report, using their online filing resources or non-emergency numbers. Many jurisdictions are relying on CDLE and the IRS to investigate these claims and will not pursue police reports.
  • Once reported, if it does not already have a payment hold, the system will flag the claim to hold payment.
  • You can also report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.
  • Unfortunately, at this time, CDLE will not be able to contact each victim individually or keep victims apprised on the progress of our investigations.

Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft – CDLE

Identity Theft Repair Kit – Colorado Attorney General’s Office

What to Do If You Are an Unemployment Fraud Victim – Colorado Bureau of Investigation