Unemployment Fraud: Avon Police Share Tips On Handling Scammers

AVON, OH — The COVID-19 pandemic led to a spike in unemployment fraud scams in Ohio.

To help residents avoid losing money, Avon police shared a list of tips for handling an unemployment scam.

"If you receive notification that someone has filed unemployment benefits here in Ohio under your name, know that you are not alone. This is a widespread problem," department officials said in a statement.

1. Visit the state's unemployment website and file an identity theft report.
2. Contact the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services at 866-272-0118. Callers should be prepared to hold for a long stretch, police warned. When you do speak to someone, tell them someone has filed for unemployment benefits using your name and personal information. They will flag your social security number and forward that information to their fraud division.
   1. If you ever need to file for unemployment benefits after filing this report, you will need to provide additional verification to the state.
3. Check your credit report with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Check for any errors or fraudulent transactions. If you spot anything unusual, contact Avon police.
4. Contact one of the credit bureaus and file a fraud report. They will flag your profile and that alert will last for one year.
5. Place a freeze on your credit reports. You will need to establish a PIN to lift the freeze and apply for credit, but it will prevent others from using your information to secure credit.
6. Check with the post office and ensure no changes have been made to your mailing address.
7. File a report with Avon police. Bring copies of any correspondence or documents you have on the fraud.
8. Finally, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Print a copy of the report for your records.