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. Ralph C.

    I accidentally downloaded “bec-apply-ui”. It popped out on my screen and when I checked it, there was nothing. What does this mean and what should I do?

    • V.V.

      Hi Ralph. We are unable to answer questions about unemployment insurance as each state administers its own program. Learn more here.

  2. Audey i.

    Trying to file for unemployment

    • V.V.

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

  3. Dwight Z.

    What does BDC-APPLY-UI mean? Why does SSA want me to download it? An explanation should be noted on the SS website to educate the public.

    • V.V.

      Hi Dwight, thank you for using our blog. It sounds like that may be something regarding Unemployment Compensation. We are unable to answer questions about unemployment insurance as each state administers its own program. Learn more here.

      • Dave H.

        bec-apply-ui appears to be a fraud scheme. It does not originate from SSA and if downloaded will capture sensitive personal information and attempt to apply for benefits elsewhere and alter the pay-to account. No one should ever download this execution file. It pops up on mobile devices when logging into SSA but not laptops.

  4. Crystal w.

    I live in California and somebody filed unemployment in my name and I on socil security they immediately took my social security without verifying whether or not it was me and now I have to reapply do I need a lawyer if so ? If I do where can I find one ?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Crystal. Thanks for your questions. Many people handle their own appeals. A representative familiar with Social Security’s programs can provide a valuable service to you. However, the decision whether or not to seek the services of a representative (attorney or other qualified person) is up to you. More information about representatives can be found in our publication, Your Right to Representation. If you need help requesting a review, contact your local Social Security office or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We hope this helps.

  5. Debra H.

    I found out someone was drawing unemployment in my name and using my ss number. I reported it to the prepaid card and got it stopped with them I have filed a police report and tried filing my own claim but still cannot get through to the proper people to have it taken off my name. I have been trying since the first of January idk what to do now.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Debra. We’re sorry to hear you’re having this problem. Victims of identity theft should go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). More information is available in our publication, Identity Theft and your Social Security Number. We hope this helps!

  6. Hazel

    Will this website give us more of such good things that will help a lot of people enhance their knowledge?
    Cheap Car Insurance Florida

  7. Rachel

    What does this mean?
    “Do you want to download “bec-apply-ui”?”
    Thank you

    • Nancy S.

      I’m having the same problem because I can’t get to the percent bar now when that comes up.

    • Nyna N.

      Same.

    • Z

      Same problem for me my recent claim also isn’t displaying. Hopefully this isn’t because I got denied and they want me to apply for unemployment?

      • Paul

        Did you fond out what that meant?

      • Sonia S.

        I was thinking the same thing

    • Sonia S.

      Been wondering same thing mines started Friday

      • PC

        Did you get answers? It only does it from a phone — displays the ‘BEC-APPLY-UI’ not on a computer. The login on the computer still shows the percentage in the process.

        • Lindsay

          Mine says same thing and I got 2 fishy emails that are encrypted with a password that I don’t have?

    • Dave H.

      Fraud scheme attempting to capture personal information. Do Not Download!

      • Dave C.

        I to blew thru the installation of bec.apply.ui also. The next web page rendered wanted me to fill out all of my personal information again.. ie ssn, phone,address etc. etc. Since I already have an ssn account, why would they want that info again…some one is phishing. Every time I logged in that same page would appear. I have an iPad so the file downloaded was in my download folder, which had 0 bytes. But it loaded something somewhere because the info page kept showing up. Long story short.. I reset my iPad to factory defaults and did not use iCloud information to rebuild it. That seems to have done the trick to fix the problem.

  8. Eileen O.

    My ss# was used with unemployment and I have a fraud case started with unemployment what would be my next steps to protect my ss# from being used again????

    • V.V.

      Hi Eileen, thanks for using our blog. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).

      Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.

  9. cathreine d.

    How do I know if someone is claiming to be me? My phone was hacked and they tried to get my money off a net spend prepaid card. Please contact me Thank you

    • V.V.

      Hi Cathreine, thanks for using our blog. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).

      Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.

    • juli s.

      NetSpend debit card and benefits redirected. when the suspect wires into my connection in order to falsify data in order to retain my benefits.

    • Sonia S.

      What does it mean when I’m signing into my account online it says do i wanna download bec-apply-ui

      • A.C.

        Hi, Sonia. If you are encountering a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
        •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
        •Contact your local Social Security office.

        If you are referring to an account for unemployment, please contact your state or local social services or welfare office for assistance. Thanks!

  10. Alexandra G.

    Someone filed UI IN NYS Dept of Labor using my SS# and personal information; therefore the perpetrators have my SS# in their possession. how can I protect my SS# not being using by the perpetrators in the future? Is there a pin number I should apply for and get? Thank you

    • V.V.

      Hi Alexandra, thanks for using our blog. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).

      Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.

Comments are closed.