General, SSI

Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Social Security

February 4, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: March 23, 2021

Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Social SecurityScammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to file fraudulent unemployment claims, often using someone else’s identity. Scammers may even use the identity of someone who is receiving or applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

SSI applicants and recipients who begin to receive—or seemingly begin to receive—State Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits could appear to be ineligible for SSI benefits. They could even appear to be overpaid because of an unemployment claim filed in their name.

These UI fraud schemes are widespread and affect most states. The United States Secret Service is investigating more than 500 claims in over 40 states related to unemployment fraud.

At Social Security, we’re taking steps to verify whether SSI applicants and recipients are victims of UI fraud. We will not reduce or terminate your payments due to a fraudulent unemployment claim. You can find information on how to report fraud on the Department of Labor’s website.

Remember that scammers always look for a chance to exploit your fears. Don’t fall for their tactics—and guard your personal information. Make sure to check out our past blog articles covering scams to stay informed. Please share this information with your friends and family—and let’s help each other stay vigilant.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

  1. Tatiana R.

    Pa delay now it’s just a scam

  2. Carolyn S.

    I received a 1099-G from a different state with someone using my info. I’m on SS and what do I need to do?

    • V.V.

      Hi Carolyn, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on what you can do if someone filed an unemployment claim using your information. We hope this helps!

  3. Nieves D.

    I have filed for unemployment, according to PUA UNEMPLOYMENT, I QUALIFY. BUT I HAVE BEEN DENIED OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN. I AM DISABLED. I SUFFERED A STROKE 4/9/2019. I CANT WORK I HAVE NO USE OF MY ARM, I WAS SENT TO,THE HOSPITAL WHERE THEY LEFT ME IN THE HALL WAY ALL NIGHT FOR OBSERVATION. NO MEDS TO STOP THE STROKE. THEN THEY SHOVED ME IN A ROOM WITH A COVID PATIENT. THEN OOOH, YOU GOT COOTIES NOW. WE CANT FEED YOU TOUCH YOU BATHE YOU. NOBODY WANTED TO TOUCH ME. AND MY WIFE COULDN’T COME TO SEE ME, TO TAKE CARE OF ME. BUT MASKS COME OUT, AND WHOLE LOTTA BULLSHIT CAME OUT. DOCTORS GOT A KICK BACK NURSES GOT A KICK BACK. I, KNOW SOMEONE’S SISTER GOT AN $80,000.00 KICK BACK AT HER JOB. SO, IF SHE’S A NURSE, ARE (ESSENTIAL). NICE PAY OUT FOR NOT TOUCHING YOUR PATIENTS. I FILED FOR DISABILITY, I WAS TOLD I’M NOT ENTITLED TO NOTHING. BUT THESE NURSES AND DOCTORS AND EVERYONE IS ENTITLED. BUT ME. THIS COVID SHIT IS A SCAM TO KILL OFF THE UNWANTED TO KEEP THE SOCIAL SECURITY. AND THE RICH KEEP GETTING RICHER THE POOR WHO BUST THEIR ASS TO MAKE THE RICH RICH KEEP GETTING SCREWED OVER. I MAY DIE BEFORE IM SIXTY SEVEN, WHICH IS WHEN SOCIAL SECURITY CLAIMS IM ENTITLED. IN THE MEAN TIME. THANK GOD FOR MY WIFE. BUT YOU, GOT ILLEGALS COME HERE. AND,THEY GET MEDICAID FOOD STAMPS HOUSING. IM BORN AND RAISED HERE. MY ANCESTORS WERE FIRST NATION AMERICANS. THIS IS MY LANDS, HISTORY BOOKS LIE SAY WERE ALL, DEAD NOT SO. ALL OTHERS THAT CAME AND PLACED US IN CONTAINMENT, PRISON, PLANTATION, PRESERVATION CAMPS HAVE TRIED TO COVER THE SKY WITH LIES TO COVER UP THE TRUTHS. THOSE THAT ARE IN POWER THAT HAVE MADE THEMSELVES RICH. OFF MY LAND, RESOURCES, AND MY ANCESTORS. AND HAS MADE US TO BE DEPENDANT OFF THOSE THIEVES, THAT CONTROL EVERYTHING. WELL I AM ENTITLED TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY. I WORKED SINCE I WAS 16YEARS OLD AND HAVE MADE MANY BODY SHOP OWNERS RICH. THEY GET PUA, UNEMPLOYMENT, DISABILITY, GOVERNMENT BUY OUTS. JUST BECAUSE THEY’RE A BUSINESS OWNER THEY MANNNNNNY TAX BREAKS. I GET A KICK IN MY ASS IM NOT ENTITLED. BULLSHIT. I AM. AND I WANT MY PUA UNEMPLOYMENT, AND MY SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY.

    • V.V.

      Hi Nieves, thanks for using our blog. We are unable to answer questions about unemployment insurance as each state administers its own program. Learn more here.

  4. Camille B.

    Our SS 1099’s were lost or stolen in mail so Iretrieved from online. We were victims of identity theft using ssn and I believe this was due to the fact that SS is the ONLY 1099 that has one’s whole number printed. All of my others use only the last 4 numbers. Why is SS doing this on items that go through the mail? We know our numbers. This fraud is rampant with seniors in our area with many of getting payment cards from Key bank. All reported, frozen, etc. but this printing of whole ss should be stopped. Also, how about using only our first names on this blog?

    • V.V.

      We are sorry to hear about your experience, Camille. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form, where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.

  5. Ilan s.

    I had fraudulently ui benefits on my name I never recieaved unployment I never worked in my life.

  6. Susana T.

    Hello
    My 80 year old retired elderly friend got a letter from CDLE saying her claim for unemployment benefits was received ..if you have reason to believe someone has applied..using your information. Yes this was not her doing . She does not have an email or computer. Can I report the fraud via fraud protection using my email? Susana

    • V.V.

      Hi Susana, thanks for using our blog. Please check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on what you can do if someone files a claim using your information.

  7. Norma H.

    SC Employment office is telling me that my ss# shows up under a different name and that I have to upload a verification of my identity and social security number through your office. What do I do???

    • V.V.

      Hi Norma, thanks for using our blog. You can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  8. Jacque h.

    Ms Horner has never received a cent over 2017 all has taken id 3 fed from lunneokd as friends in that field and shared check whom has access to her legal account fed check cashing held one check than refused her to get and info and feel iysstihaplening fed first whom paid dc as she has since 17 any known cards outcancel bygfrd law and notated all info as applied severlhousing units and wS refused housing dhs tli and many more all checking through agency’s if chewing for cash and girls refused in sLem and kept with

    Depositing and allow friends use of it asap fed criminal law contact her remove anyone claims rep caregiver or other not allowed and garnish to keep your business good standing g thank you a check for remainder or owed by unauthizex withdrawal Portland or and other liver areas damage back. Broken teeth and had not been able for payments due to purpose hit and run lost years and ye
    and 63 knees beck

  9. Amarie

    I received
    A Reliacard in the mail for someone with my first name but incorrect last name. I’ve not applied for UI benefits. I filed a fraud claim with the issuing bank and the Colorado UI as well as with Equifax who will notify the other two credit bureaus. Equifax said to notify you (SSA). Is there something I need to file with you? I do not receive anything other than Medicare right now. Thanks

    • V.V.

      Hi Amarie, thanks for using our blog. If you receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, and you suspect UI fraud, you should contact your local Social Security Office immediately. For more details, check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page.

  10. MARION P.

    I have not rec’d my 1099 for Tax report from Social Security. today is 2/15/2021

    • V.V.

      Hi Marion. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to obtain a replacement 1099. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.

      • LaVerne B.

        I don’t have the ATM Card the person that help me File,also had email address changed n use my Original One

    • LaVerne B.

      I don’t have the ATM Card the person that help me File,also had email address changed n use my Original One..Also has called The Contact # for the PUA only to be Told that All my Claimed Information is in order n My Next Payment is Going to sent as the other assistant Per PUA

Comments are closed.