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Unemployment Insurance (UI) Imposter Fraud Prevention
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How Employees Can Protect Their Identity and Stop UI Imposter Fraud
The EDD is committed to maintaining the integrity of the UI Program. Here are ways you can protect
yourself against identity theft and UI imposter fraud.
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal information to take on his or her
identity. Identity theft can include wage and employment information, as well as credit card and
mail fraud.
What Should I Do if I Suspect Identity Theft?
If you suspect that someone is using your Social Security Number (SSN) for work or some
other purpose, immediately report the problem to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling
1-877-IDTHEFT or by visiting www.consumer.gov/idtheft/.
In addition, the FTC recommends you:
- File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others
that may require proof of the crime.
- Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a
fraud alert on your credit file. You only need to contact one of the three companies to
place an alert. The company you call is required to contact the other two, which will
place an alert on their versions of your report, too:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
- Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com
P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
- Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
What Is an Imposter Claim?
In the case of an imposter claim, someone has intentionally filed a UI claim using another person's
personal information, such as name, SSN, and employment information.
What Should I Do if I Suspect an Imposter Claim?
If you suspect a potential imposter claim, call EDD's toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-800-229-6297
or submit a
Fraud Reporting Form.
What Is EDD Doing to Prevent UI Imposter Fraud?
If EDD receives information that an identity theft has occurred, EDD will flag those identities.
When anyone using one of those identities attempts to file for UI benefits, the Department will
request additional identifying information from the individual filing the claim. If the true
owner of the identity is not the individual filing the claim and you are the true owner, we will
contact you. Please assist us and respond to any inquiries from EDD.
If you are a victim of UI imposter fraud, become unemployed, and file a claim for UI benefits, EDD will also
ask for additional identifying information to ensure the validity of your claim. This will help
protect the identities of legitimate claim holders.
How Employers Can Prevent UI Imposter Fraud
The EDD is committed to maintaining the integrity of the UI Program. Here are tips on how you can
help EDD prevent UI imposter fraud and identity theft and, at the same time, help control your UI
costs.
Verify Social Security Numbers
When hiring new employees, verify that and ensure their Social Security Numbers (SSN) are correct. The Social
Security Administration (SSA) offers employers and authorized reporting agents two methods for
verifying employees' SSNs.
- Telephone Verification - To verify up to five names and SSNs, call 1-800-772-6270.
To verify between six and 50 names, contact your local Social Security office.
- Large Volume Verification - To verify more than 50 employee names and SSNs, use the Employee Verification Service (EVS). To use the EVS system, you must pre-register. You may also submit requests on magnetic media. For more information, call the EVS Information
Line at 410-965-7140 or visit the SSA's Web site at www.ssa.gov/employer/.
Protect Your Employees
An important way to protect yourself and your employees is by properly disposing of old payroll
records. California law requires you to properly destroy (i.e., shred, erase, etc.) the personal
information in all records under your control. For more information on protecting yourself and your
employees from identity theft, and updates on recent privacy protection legislation, visit the California Department of
Consumer Affairs Web site at www.privacyprotection.ca.gov.
Review Your Employer Notices
UI benefits paid to your former employees represent a charge to your reserve or reimbursable
account and, in the case of tax-rated employers, may impact your employer contribution rate for UI.
To protect these accounts, employers should carefully review all notices including the Notice of
Wages Used for Unemployment Insurance Claim (DE 1545) and respond promptly if there are any
discrepancies.
Report Security Violations of Your Payroll or Personnel Data
If your payroll or personnel data has been compromised, or you suspect fraudulent activity on
your UI employer account, call EDD's toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-800-229-6297 or submit a
Fraud Reporting Form.
Work With EDD to Stop UI Imposter Fraud
During the course of an investigation, EDD may contact employers to verify information that will
authenticate an individual's identity. By cooperating with EDD in a timely manner, you will help
protect your UI employer account and your employees from fraud.
Questions regarding your reserve or reimbursable account should be directed to the telephone numbers listed below:
- Tax Rated Employers: Contribution Rate Group at 916-653-7795
- Reimbursable Employers: Reimbursable Accounting Group at 916-653-5846
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Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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