Report and Prevent Fraud
Fraudulent activities are illegal and taken very seriously. There are several types of fraud that are common:
- Unemployment Benefits Fraud: This type of fraud involves individuals filing false claims to receive unemployment benefits to which they are not entitled.
- Fraudulent Employers: Some individuals may pose as employers to scam job seekers or exploit unemployment benefit systems.
- Debit Card Fraud: This type of fraud targets unemployment debit cards issued to beneficiaries.
Understanding these common fraud schemes and knowing how to report them helps protect individuals from becoming victims and ensures the integrity of the unemployment benefits system. Learn more about these schemes below.
Unemployment Benefits Fraud
To safeguard against identity fraud, especially concerning fraudulent unemployment benefit claims, vigilance in protecting personal information is crucial. Regular monitoring of credit reports and bank statements for any unusual activity is advised, along with using strong, unique passwords for online accounts. Sensitive details such as Social Security numbers or personal identification information, should not be shared over unsecured channels or with unfamiliar individuals. Caution is needed to avoid phishing schemes that might attempt to extract such information. If identity compromise is suspected or unauthorized unemployment claims are noticed, it is important to report the situation immediately to the relevant authorities and credit bureaus to mitigate potential damage and secure the identity. Fraudulent unemployment claims should be reported to OESC by calling 405-525-1500.
Fraudulent Employers
When searching for employment, it is crucial to remain vigilant against fraudulent employers who exploit job seekers. To ensure protection, job listings should be carefully scrutinized for any signs of illegitimacy, such as vague job descriptions, unrealistic salary offers or requests for upfront payments or personal information. Researching the company's reputation involves checking their website, looking for reviews from current or former employees and verifying contact details. Responses to unsolicited job offers received via emails or social media messages should be avoided, and caution is advised with recruiters who apply undue pressure to act quickly. Trusting instincts is important; if something appears too good to be true or seems suspicious, it is advisable to investigate further or consider more transparent opportunities.
Debit Card Fraud
To protect against debit card fraud while receiving unemployment benefits, exercising caution with the card and personal information is essential. Sharing card details or PINs with anyone should be avoided, and regular monitoring of the balance for any unauthorized transactions is recommended. The card should be kept in a secure place, and vigilance is necessary against phishing attempts or fraudulent emails that may attempt to obtain card information. Unexpected calls or messages requesting card details should be verified for legitimacy through official channels before responding. Any suspicious activity or lost cards should be reported promptly to Conduent at 866-320-8699 or visit www.goprogram.com.
