With so many people currently on unemployment, the IRS is warning about fraudulent unemployment claims.
These claims are often filed by organized crime rings and use stolen indentities. Including, perhaps, yours.
States are reporting a surge in these crimes.
If you recieved mail from a government agency about a payment or claim that you did not file, including unexpected payments or debit cards, you can go to the US Department of Labor’s DOL.gov/fraud page. You can find guidance there on how to report the fraudulent activity and how to protect yourself moving forward.
Same thing if you received a 1099G with unemployment benefits you weren’t expecting. Check the amount in Box 1. An even bigger warning is that it may be from a state in which you didn’t file for benefits.
And, if you’re still employed, if your employer received a request for unemployment information in your name, that is a red flag.
I just recieved a number of phone calls myself regarding the 2020 tax year and stating that my social security has been cancelled. Keep in mind that the IRS and Social Security will NEVER (and I mean NEVER) call you. They will be gracious when you call them, they will send mail, and if you ignore them long enough they will show up at your home or place of business, but they won’t call you. And, of course, they will never accept payment in gift cards.
Donna Harris holds a BSci in Accounting and is the owner of Bookkeeping Made Simple. She is currently working on her MBA.
Donna Harris
Owner
Donna Harris, BSci Accounting, MBA, founded Bookkeeping Made Simple with the understanding that small businesses is the heart of the American economy. After offering to do books for a friend who said he didn't have enough work to keep someone in the office 20 hours a week, she recognized the need for an efficient, online system. She has 20 years of bookkeeping and accounting experience and is excited to help small business owners achieve their goals. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling whenever possible. She also loves reading, hiking, camping, cooking, yoga, and fitness. A huge believer in lifelong education, she is currently working on her master's in Accounting.