Wheaton Sees Increase In Unemployment Fraud Reports

WHEATON, IL — Wheaton has seen a sharp increase in unemployment fraud reports, according to a recent news release from the city. The scam has been sweeping the western suburbs, with nearby Naperville seeing 1,192 unemployment fraud cases since March.

The scams work like this: Scammers use someone else's information to apply for unemployment benefits. They then change the payment type to direct deposit, so they can get the funds before the victim receives an unemployment card in the mail.

Naperville Sees More Than 1K Unemployment Fraud Cases In 6 Months

If a victim receives an unemployment card in the mail that has funds on it, the victim is responsible if they use the funds. Wheaton police advise residents not to activate an unemployment card if they have not applied for benefits.

If you are the victim of unemployment fraud in Wheaton, you can take the following steps to report it locally:

1. Complete an unemployment card report form.

2. Hand-deliver completed forms to the lobby of the Wheaton Police Department, 900 W. Liberty or call 9-1-1 and request an officer to pick up the form from your home.

3. Include any unemployment cards and letters you've received.

4. Wait for an officer to contact you about the scam.

Residents should also report any unemployment fraud issues to the Illinois Department of Employment Security hotline at 866-999-5630.