Security News > 2021 > January > Unemployment Fraud - Preying on Those Most in Need
Put another way, unemployment fraud has been rampant since the beginning of the pandemic, with virtually every US state affected.
What exactly is unemployment fraud? While there are different types, the version seen during the COVID-19 pandemic involves filing fraudulent unemployment claims.
Once the fraudster has obtained one or more stolen identities, they need to fill out a fraudulent unemployment claim.
Add to the mix that states are overwhelmed and under-resourced to handle the uptick in unemployment claims, never mind identify inconsistencies that would be indicative of fraud, and we see that COVID-19 has created a unique opportunity for unemployment fraud.
While the situation sounds dire, there are straightforward steps that can be taken by states to detect and prevent unemployment fraud.
Suspicious environmental indicators, such as applying for unemployment benefits in California from a device located outside of the U.S. Multiple unemployment benefits heading to the same drop account.