Keep Fighting Fraud

Did you know that according to the Center for Victim Research an estimated 1 in 10 Americans have had their identities stolen? By working together, and by practicing internet security best practices, we can stop fraud in its tracks and make sure your identity remains safe and secure.

How is my identity being stolen?

No TWC systems have been breached, but criminal elements can use identities stolen from Texans in an attempt to fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits. The most common ways an identity is stolen is through data breaches, hacking and phishing. Hacking of cell phones and other portable devices is now a worrying trend when it comes to identity theft. While many people have strong security on their computers, they may not have these protections on their cell phones and tablets. Remember, if you wouldn’t click on a link or reply to a message on your computer, follow the same level of vigilance on your phone or tablet.

The best ways to protect yourself and stop ID thieves in their tracks are:

• Monitor your credit regularly.  
• Install and use antivirus and antispyware software. Be sure to update this software frequently.
• Never give out your private data – like your social security number – to anyone unless absolutely necessary. Legitimate organizations that need this data, like the IRS, will not call, email or text you to ask for it. 
• Do not post your social security number, screenshots of your UI accounts, bank or payment information, or even your home address on any social media platform, even in direct messages to TWC.
• When in doubt, ask questions. Ask why the organization needs it, how they will protect it, if there is an alternative identifier that can be used instead, and if the organization can use only the last 4 digits of the SSN. 

How to know if your identity has been stolen:

The best way to make sure your identity hasn’t been stolen is constant vigilance. There are some telltale signs someone has stolen your identity and is using it for fraudulent purposes. Here are some actions you can take to monitor for identity theft.

• Track the bills you owe and their bill dates. If you stop getting a bill, it might be a sign someone has changed the billing address. 
• Review all bills, charges and bank statements to look for anything that seems suspicious or out of the ordinary.
• Check your credit reports. 
• Consider using identity monitoring services. 

Stopping fraud is a team effort

Treat your TWC account and all accounts like you would your bank account. If you suspect fraud is occurring, report the fraud immediately using the TWC fraud portal. The Texas Workforce Commission will investigate every unemployment benefit claim to confirm identity and to lock accounts that are fraudulent. With your help, we can help Texans in need by stopping these criminals from fraudulently obtaining unemployment insurance benefits.

Watch out for IMPOSTERS!

As disappointing as it may seem, there are people who will attempt to take advantage of Texans in times of need. TWC is reminding everyone to be vigilant when attempting to seek help or assistance online. Take steps to secure your identity online by practicing internet security best practices. Treat your TWC account and all accounts like you would your bank account.

What should I be on the lookout for on social media?

There are cleverly-designed fake social media sites and profiles that look like they come from TWC, but really they are scams that will let thieves steal your identity. They will then use your identity to apply for fraudulent unemployment benefits under your name or sell your information to someone who will. TWC does not conduct business or take personal information on its social media sites so if anyone asks for that information through social media, do not give it to them.

Do not to send any personally identifiable information or transact any business except through TWC’s unemployment insurance (UI) portal or Telecenters.

What should I be on the lookout for through email?

There was a recent scam using a spoof email address designed to mimic the TWC address. This scam was not only attempting to trick Texans into giving them sensitive information but also claiming there was a fee for applying for unemployment benefits. Applying for unemployment benefits is free and no authorized TWC representative would ever claim there is a payment needed to file a claim or expedite a request. TWC would also never ask for a social security number or similarly sensitive, personal information through email.

Again, do not to send any personally identifiable information or transact any business except through TWC’s unemployment insurance (UI) portal or Telecenters. 

What assistance can I get through social media or email?  

TWC uses social media and email to alert claimants to useful information that may assist them with understanding or applying for benefits. If there is information needed for a particular claimant’s case, an email may be sent directing that person to either the UI portal or TWC’s Telecenters. 

If you have general questions that are not claim specific, you are welcome to seek assistance through social media, but please be aware that staff working on social media do not have access to the claims database so they will be unable to give claim specific assistance or guidance. The best way to get assistance with your claim is either the UI portal or TWC’s Telecenters. 

TWC’s authorized social media accounts, used for providing useful tips and guidance only, include: 

• Facebook:  facebook.com/texasworkforcecommission 
• Twitter:  twitter.com/TXWorkforce 
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/Texas-workforce-commission 

TWC and Fraud

TWC places prevention of fraud as its highest priority and is committed to tracking down fraudsters and bringing them to justice. The agency investigates every unemployment benefit claim to confirm identity and to lock accounts that are fraudulent. While TWC continues to work with law enforcement at all levels to prosecute fraud, all Texans can help stop this crime before it happens. If you receive correspondence suggesting a fraudulent unemployment insurance claim has been filed, please report it on the TWC fraud portal at:

https://apps.twc.state.tx.us/UiFraudSubmission/uifs/uifraud

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More Guidance on How to Combat Fraud

Identity theft is on the rise, and scammers are targeting Texans using stolen information to attempt to gain further information. Fortunately, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has strong protections to identify, track, and lock down fraud attempts, protecting Texas workers and the integrity of the Texas unemployment system. In most cases, we stop the fraud before a single dollar in benefits are paid out, but sometimes nefarious actors do manage to game the system and collect funds they do not deserve. 

Beware if your ID was stolen before

If your identity has ever been stolen, there is higher risk that it can happen again. Once hackers have access to your information, they sell that information on the internet to fraudsters seeking to use it for further hacks, or to steal services or benefits belonging to you. Even if this identity theft occurred many years ago, your information could still be available for purchase on the Dark Web to fraudulently apply for UI benefits.

Should this happen, the first thing you should do is notify the TWC that someone has submitted an application claiming to be you. Immediately report this to the TWC UI identity theft portal at: 

https://apps.twc.state.tx.us/UiFraudSubmission/uifs/uifraud

This is the first step in getting this unfortunate situation corrected.

Note that individuals who report suspected ID theft to TWC do not always receive a call, email, or letter in response to the information provided. However, they can be assured that the imposter claim is handled as quickly as possible to lock the claim and to prevent payment. TWC will only contact you if additional information is needed regarding the claim.    

What to do if you’re being charged for overpayments on a fraudulent claim?

If you never made an unemployment claim, but get a notice of overpayment take the following steps: 

• Report the fraud immediately using the TWC fraud portal. Note that individuals who report suspected ID theft to TWC do not always receive a call, email, or letter in response to the information provided. However, they can be assured that the imposter claim is handled as quickly as possible to lock the claim and to prevent payment. TWC will only contact you if additional information is needed regarding the claim.    
• There is no need to respond to the overpayment letters or to file an appeal provided you did not apply for benefits. These letters will cease after TWC verifies the fraud and locks down the account.  
• If you have applied for benefits or received them recently, but are still the victim of ID theft, TWC might need more information to verify that the overpayment is connected to the fraudulent account and not to you. Please contact TWC in one of the following ways: 
  • Call: 512-936-3338 
  • Fax: 512-936-3799 
  • Email: ui.ombudsmen@twc.state.tx.us.  

How was my identity stolen?

Perpetrators use identity information they stole from somewhere else before they file the claim with TWC. Identities are usually stolen through hacking and phishing schemes occurring outside of TWC. Major hacks of corporations, individual accounts, and increasing numbers of individuals putting sensitive identity data online have opened up millions for exposure. The Insurance Information Institute (III) has reported that the number of identity theft complaints in America doubled in 2020. 

How to help combat fraud

All Texans should take steps to secure their identity online by practicing internet security best practices. Treat your TWC account and all accounts like you would your bank account. The Texas Workforce Commission will investigate every unemployment benefit claim to confirm identity and to lock accounts that are fraudulent. 

If you think you have been the victim of identity theft, report it using the TWC fraud and identity theft portal at: https://apps.twc.state.tx.us/UiFraudSubmission/uifs/uifraud

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Protecting Your Data on Social Media

Private information is being shared like never before. Social networking sites routinely expose full names, addresses, birthdates and other information valuable to scammers. Combined with information stolen from data breaches, cell phone hacking or “phishing” scams that expose social security numbers, criminals can impersonate you online. TWC reminds Texans to use extreme caution on social media amid this dramatic increase in identity theft.

What can you do to Protect your data?

Everyone should practice Internet security best practices to protect their data. What that means is keeping information that can be used to steal your identity private unless you are asked to provide it by a recognized TWC representative. If you’re reaching out for help, don’t post the information in a direct message or comment because once that information is available online, it becomes a target for scammers looking to steal identities. If we need this sensitive information from you, we will not ask for it through social media.

A good way to think of your personal information is like your bank account. You wouldn’t post that information on social media, right? Treat your personal information in the same way. When in doubt, don’t share it.

What to be on the lookout for

First, TWC reminds Texans to never give out social security numbers, account logins, bank information, payment or even addresses on any social media platform, even in direct messages to TWC. TWC never conducts business on social media, so if anyone claiming to represent the agency contacts you asking for private information, do not respond. This is a good sign you have been targeted by someone trying to steal your identity. 

Second, only conduct business through TWC’s official unemployment portal or phone number. Over the last few months, multiple fake TWC pages have been set up by scammers hoping to steal private information from people applying for unemployment benefits. Unless you can reach the page through official TWC channels, don’t trust it.

How to report fraud

If you think someone has stolen your identity and filed a false claim, follow the steps here! The Texas Workforce Commission investigates every unemployment benefit claim to confirm identity and quickly locks accounts that are fraudulent. With your help, we can stop fraud in its tracks.

Watch out for Identity Theft

Texas, like other states, is seeing large numbers of fraudulent applications due to identity theft. TWC wants to remind all Texans to protect their identities online so they don’t get swept up in the wave of unemployment insurance fraud applications. 

How is identity being stolen? 

TWC systems have not been breached or hacked which means data is being stolen through other channels. Sometimes the means to steal an identity can be found in information posted on social media or material found on web sites. All Texans should take steps to secure their identity online by practicing internet security best practices. Treat your TWC account and all accounts like you would your bank account. 

How much fraud is there really? 

Identities are being stolen at record rates, some in breaches of health insurance companies, hotels and in one of the largest cases, a consumer credit reporting agency. The number of identity theft complaints in America doubled in 2020. With the high-profile increase in unemployment claims due to COVID-19, fraudsters are seeking to capitalize.  

Who is responsible for the increase in stolen identities?  

TWC systems have not been breached or hacked which means identity theft is occurring outside the system. A growing cybercrime community known as the Dark Web traffics in these stolen identities, passing them from hackers to fraudsters seeking to monetize your information. Even the hackers are being hacked. Government benefits programs are now the largest single target for these thieves, above even credit cards.  

How do I find out if someone filed unemployment under my name? 

If you receive a letter stating that you have applied for benefits, which you have not applied for, it is very likely you are the victim of identity theft.  

What do I do if someone filed for unemployment under my name? 

If you think someone has stolen your identity and filed a false claim, report it immediately on the TWC fraud portal. After that, follow these important steps:  

1. Contact the police department in the city in which you reside and get an incident report and number.   

2. Consult the Federal Trade Commission website to report the ID theft.  

3. Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies listed below (you only have to call one because the law requires them to contact the other two) and ask that a free fraud alert be placed on your credit report. If needed, you can also ask to have your credit account frozen or request a free credit report.  

• Equifax – 800-349-9960  
• Experian – 888-397-3742  
• TransUnion – 888-909-8872  

4. If your bank or credit union account was compromised, contact the fraud department of each institution. Report the identity theft and, if needed, ask them to close or freeze the compromised account. If your ATM card was compromised, contact your financial institution and request a new card.  

5. If unauthorized charges appear on your legitimate credit cards, cancel the cards and request replacement cards with new account numbers. If an authorized card was opened using your ID, cancel the cards and close the accounts.  

6. Contact the Social Security Administration office in one of the following ways:  

• Visit www.ssa.gov and type “identity theft” in the search box  
• Call: 800-269-0271  
• Fax: 410-597-0118  
• Social Security Fraud Hotline  

PO Box 17785  

Baltimore, MD 21235  

What happens after I report fraud?  

The Texas Workforce Commission investigates every unemployment benefit claim to confirm identity and quickly locks accounts that are fraudulent.  Fraud tips are investigated immediately but bear in mind you may not hear back right away.  

With such a large increase in the volume of UI claims and corresponding fraud, TWC has prioritized investigation over notification, in order to stop fraud in its tracks and protect the integrity of the UI trust fund. Nonetheless, TWC is hiring additional agents to improve response times. For more information about identity theft fraud, see TWC’s fraud web page.