The Pennsylvania State Police are undertaking an investigation over multiple reports of fraudulent unemployment compensation claims. The reports are not only local but also they have taken place across the State.
A new trend, and scam facilitated by the pandemic and the high levels of unemployment, has emerged where false unemployment claims are being made on behalf of Pennsylvania’s employed.
On Tuesday, July 7, 2021, Troopers from the Bethlehem station, Fogelsville station and Dublin station investigated a total of 10 unemployment scams, officials say.
According to a report by wfmz.com, unemployment scams are criminal acts done by imposters that file claims for unemployment benefits utilizing the name and personal information of victims who have not filed claims, according to police.
As a result, the unemployment payments are deposited into accounts the imposter controls or mailed to the victim’s residence and retrieved by the imposter.
Troopers are advising the public to observe for suspicious vehicles in their neighborhood and report anyone searching in their mailboxes who is not authorized.
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The Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven have reported at least 5 instances of fraudulent claims just within the last week of June and first week of July in their coverage area.
Across the country
Several school districts have also reported this happening across the county. Some have reported that they have received dozens of false unemployment claims for their employees while they are off over the summer.
The Pennsylvania State Police have not reported if anyone has been charged in any of the incidents but they do say they continue to investigate.
If you become a victim of an unemployment scam, it is important to contact the Pennsylvania Fraud Hotline at (800) 692 – 7469, file a report with the police within your jurisdiction, and start a recovery plan with the Federal Trade Commission, which can be done online.
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