We recently alerted all University of Illinois System Employees to be aware of widespread identity theft targeting unemployment assistance programs. Please read the important update below.
According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), criminals are using the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to file fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance benefits within Illinois and across the U.S.
If you receive communications from IDES, such as a debit card or an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Finding Letter, and you HAVE NOT filed an unemployment claim, then you are likely a target of identity theft. Report the suspected fraud to IDES at IDES Reporting Unemployment Insurance Fraud.
Additionally, you should monitor your bank account(s) for unexpected deposits from IDES. Any transactions should be reported to IDES using the link above.
The University of Illinois System is taking a number of steps to try to prevent and stop this fraud, including reporting confirmation of current employment status to IDES. If you believe you are a victim, then you must report it following the steps above as soon as possible to protect yourself.
It is also recommended that you treat this as you would any other instance of identity theft, and contact the agencies listed below to report it and safeguard your accounts and information:
More Information
Please see these IDES press releases and fraud reporting site for more information:
https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/SitePages/NewsArticleDisplay.aspx?NewsID=514
https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/SitePages/NewsArticleDisplay.aspx?NewsID=510
https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/Reporting_Unemployment_Insurance_Fraud.aspx
Please contact your HR office with additional questions.
