The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has recently announced that many Ohioans have become victims, and their identities used to file fraudulent unemployment claims in both the traditional unemployment and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programs.

There were 140,444 new unemployment claims filed between Jan. 31, 2021, through Feb. 6, which is a 194% increase from the previous week. Many claims have been flagged under suspicion of fraud and are under review.

If you believe your personal information has been compromised and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim, whether you received a 1099-G tax form or not, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has established a new toll-free number for individuals to notify the agency: (833) 658-0394.

This phone number complements a secure online portal ODJFS established to provide a direct way for victims and employers to report identity theft. Individuals who believe their identity was stolen and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim can visit https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/, click on the “Report Identity Theft” button and follow the guidance.

For more information go to: https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/IdentityTheft/