If you applied for unemployment benefits:

The application you filled out online may have been on a fraudulent website, not from your state unemployment office. You were approved for unemployment insurance payments but have not received them. The unemployment office rejected your application for benefits because they already received a claim under your name.

If you did not apply for unemployment benefits:

A notice from your state unemployment office. A notice from your former employer about an unemployment benefits application that you did not apply for. Form 1099-G that shows you got unemployment benefit payments you were not expecting and never received. The 1099-G you receive may be sent from a state where you have never been employed. A direct deposit from your state unemployment office that you did not expect to receive. A call from someone claiming to be from your state unemployment. office saying money was deposited into your account by mistake.

Unemployment scams

Scammers can file unemployment benefits using other people's names and personal information. Learn how to protect yourself and your benefits from this type of identity theft.

Warning signs of unemployment scams

You can experience an unemployment scam whether you apply for unemployment benefits or not.

Understand what you could receive or undergo as a warning sign of an unemployment scam:

How to report an unemployment scam

Report the scam to:

Your former employer
Your state unemployment insurance program
The Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov if the scammer stole personal information like your Social Security number

If you received Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits you did not expect or receive, learn what to do when you file your federal tax return.

How to protect yourself from unemployment scams

Do not share personal information like your bank account number, Social Security number, or date of birth.
Make sure you are using the actual website or phone number for your state's official unemployment benefits agency.
Request and review your credit report regularly. Look for fraudulent activity like unauthorized loans or expenses.
Place a freeze on your credit report. This can prevent someone else from applying for loans or credit under your name.

LAST UPDATED: July 30, 2025