The Communication Federal Credit Union fraud department has been hearing from a growing number of members who have had fraudulent unemployment claims filed in their name. If you’ve been notified of a fraudulent claim filed in your name, we’ve compiled a quick five-step guide for members in Oklahoma and Kansas to dispute claims along with steps to protect your credit.
To report a fraudulent claim as an individual, follow the steps outlined below.
Oklahoma
Step 1: Email the OESC at [email protected] and also the OESC supervisor at [email protected]. Include your name, the claim number (if it appeared on the information you received), and your email address. Scan and attach any documentation. OESC will immediately put a STOP on any reported claim.
Step 2: If you have received any Way2Go cards from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, it is a good indication that fraud has occurred in your name. After notifying OESC and your company’s HR, it is important to destroy the cards.
Step 3: Check with your financial institution and credit card companies to ensure your personal information has not been compromised further. You may also obtain a free copy of your credit report from https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/get-my-free-credit-report.
Step 4: Consider filing a credit freeze or extended fraud alert because you are a victim of ID theft. Details on both, as well as how to file, can be found at www.consumer.ftc.gov.
Step 5: The Oklahoma attorney general has also created a form he encourages you to complete to report unemployment fraud. Information can be found at http://www.oag.ok.gov/attorney-general-hunter-launches-new-effort-to-assist-victims-of-unemployment-fraud. At the bottom of that page, you will see “to access the form, click here,” where you will access the form.
Kansas
Step 1: Email the Kansas Department of Labor at [email protected] or fill out the form online at https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud/unemployment-fraud-reporting-form You may also call (785) 581-7300 to report fraud. Include your name, the claim number (if it appeared on the information you received), and your email address. Scan and attach any documentation.
Step 2: If you have received any correspondence from the Kansas Department of Labor and did not file for benefits, it is a good indication that fraud has occurred in your name. After notifying the Kansas Department of Labor, notify your employer or the employer listed on the benefits.
Step 3: Check with your financial institution and credit card companies to ensure your personal information has not been compromised further. You may also obtain a free copy of your credit report from https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/get-my-free-credit-report.
Step 4: Consider filing a credit freeze or extended fraud alert because you are a victim of ID theft. Details on both, as well as how to file, can be found at www.consumer.ftc.gov.
Other States
If you receive a fraudulent unemployment payment from another state via check, direct deposit, or prepaid debit card, contact the state’s unemployment commission.
If the payment has already posted to your account, contact the credit union. Do not withdraw the funds or transfer them to someone you don’t know who contacted you about the deposit.