Identity theft. What a nightmare

[kenmbz]

Good advice Alan, most states have a fraud and an identity theft site or phone number.

 

[MoKelly]

Buddy of mine got his unemployment approval letter last week.
Problem is he has been retired for the last 5 years and did not file.
Apparently due to the mess our dear guv has the states unemployment in they are no longer verifying eligibility. He cant get any response from the unemployment system.
I told him to go to the county attorney and file a identity theft claim to protect himself when they do realize the error. Somebody is receiving the funds.

So, the state sent the unemployment approval letter to him but is sending the check to someone else?

MoKelly

 

[kenmbz]

Probably to direct deposit :-(

 

[MoKelly]

Probably to direct deposit :-(

Well, if true then I guess sending the letter is at least an attempt by the state to have some checks and balances.

You can’t open any account now without picture ID. If they wanted, I’m guessing the state could cause some trouble for the thief.

MoKelly

 

[Macinnis]

And this is why I don't fall for the "secure your account by giving us your phone number" crap. How does that secure my account? That is what the security questions and answers are for.

I assume this guy had to get or guess your pin or SS number to get the number ported? Or did he just buy a burner phone and activate it entering your number?

The last time I tried to get my number ported to a new phone I had to contact AT&T for the account number. Turns out it is nowhere on your billing and it's kept secret until you need it and ask.

you should reconsider this.

if anyone changes anything on your acct, they text you a 4 digit code Sent to your phone. If that code is not entered, the change is not processed.

its Extra security for your protection in an attempt to stop scams like this.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I would call the 3 main credit reporting bureaus and have them put a lock on your accts so that nothing new can be opened.

I want to put a freeze on my credit reports, but that means I have to provide my SSN. Now I'm a bit gunshy to do that.

 

[Macinnis]

I want to put a freeze on my credit reports, but that means I have to provide my SSN. Now I'm a bit gunshy to do that.

They already know your ssn...it’s just a security measure.

 

[JethroB]

I want to put a freeze on my credit reports, but that means I have to provide my SSN. Now I'm a bit gunshy to do that.

I froze my credit files 8-10 years ago. No regrets. Only had to unfreeze a couple times since. New cell phone provider and when I changed insurance companies. It cut down on the 'pre-approved' junk mail offers tremendously. If a company or someone does need to run your report just remember to ask in advance which bureau they will contact as you will need to temporarily unfreeze it for a day or two.

 

[Alan W.]

So, the state sent the unemployment approval letter to him but is sending the check to someone else?

MoKelly

This is what he assumes. The unemployment system is in such a disarray that contacting them is an impossibility.
When you filed for unemployment benefits previously the confirmation letter would show your work history in the previous quarters. This was missing from his letter. Since he is retired he has no work history in the required quarters.
That tells me the state is approving all filings without any verification in an attempt to clear a massive backlog of applicants.

 

[Frankenkubota]

I've been receiving voice mail from someone threatening to pursue legal action against me if I don't call. That would scare most people, it encouraged me to take the safety off.

I have yet to listen as I have this feature that displays the message as txt. I don't even know if it's a bot.

I made this comment publically a while ago and I will do it again now. If I ever receive a letter that requires my signature, in person, that means i'm getting sued and I WILL NOT go through that process again.

I'm pushin 70 and I've had my day in the sun, if it gets ugly, I will deal with the issue in other ways.