DEO fraud victim - $3,700 stolen from CONNECT account with no response

Omg same thing happened to me but it was $2800!!! I've been trying to get through to DEO since February when I noticed someone had SOMEHOW changed my banking info. Nobody will help me either. I think the whole system is corrupt tbh. If it was THEM that made a mistake and overpaid us, they'd be coming after us with collections, but when WE get robbed through THEIR website with THEIR security problems, suddenly nobody can help? Bull. Freaking. Shit.

Exactly!!! I can't believe how common this seems to be. Have you tried filing a complaint with the Inspector General? That's my next step because I'm desperate at this point.

This is actually pretty scary to hear. Im currently on unemployment and now Im worried about my account. Does anyone know if changing your password regularly helps? Should I be checking my account every day?

I had the same issue last year, but eventually got my funds back after almost 7 months of persistent follow-up. Here's what worked for me:\n\n1. File the fraud report (which you've done)\n2. Contact the DEO's Reemployment Assistance Fraud hotline at 1-800-342-9909 \n3. Submit a detailed written statement to Reemployment.Assistance@deo.myflorida.com with \

Thank you SO much for this detailed response. I haven't tried the certified letter approach yet. Were there any specific documents you included that seemed to help? I have screenshots of my account showing the payment method change that I didn't authorize.

Yes, definitely include those screenshots! I included: 1) Screenshots showing unauthorized changes, 2) Copy of my police report, 3) Bank statements showing I never received the funds, 4) Timeline of all my contact attempts with dates, 5) Copy of my ID and social security card, and 6) A formal demand letter citing Florida Statute 443.171 which covers DEO's responsibility to investigate fraud. Make sure to keep copies of everything you send.

so sorry this happened 2 u, the same thing happend to my cousin last yr. he never got his money back bc he couldnt get thru to anyone. its so unfair how they treat us!!!

I work for a law firm that has handled several of these cases (though I'm not a lawyer myself, just sharing info). Identity theft with unemployment claims has exploded since they moved everything online. Unfortunately, DEO is severely understaffed to handle these cases.\n\nOne thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - check if your email was also compromised. Most hackers get in by accessing your email first, then requesting password resets. Also, I strongly recommend placing a fraud alert with all three credit bureaus immediately if you haven't already. These thieves often have your personal info and may try to open accounts in your name.\n\nAs for getting through to DEO, many of our clients have had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that helps you get through to an actual DEO agent instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj\n\nOnce you get through to a live person, ask specifically for their fraud investigation department. Regular agents often can't help with these cases.

Thank you for this advice! I hadn't thought about my email being compromised too, but that makes sense. I'll definitely check out Claimyr because at this point I'm desperate to talk to an actual person at DEO. This has been a nightmare.

i went through this exact nightmare scenario back in december. lost $4200 and spent 3 months trying to get anyone to help. what finally worked was filing a consumer complaint with the attorney general's office. within 2 weeks of doing that, i got a call from someone at DEO who actually helped. apparently the AG's office complaints get special attention? worth a try at least.

Thank you! I'll definitely try filing with the Attorney General too. Did you have to provide any special documentation with that complaint?

just the same stuff i already had - dates when i noticed the fraud, screenshots of account, copy of police report. they have an online form that walks u through everything. good luck!!!

I used to work for Florida DEO (left in 2024), and I can provide some insight on these fraud cases. The department is completely overwhelmed with fraud claims - there are literally thousands waiting to be processed. Here's what actually gets a case prioritized:\n\n1. Claims with complete documentation move to the front of the line\n2. Cases with law enforcement involvement (especially if the police contact DEO directly)\n3. Cases flagged by a state legislator's office\n4. Cases where the claimant can prove hardship (eviction notice, utility shutoff, etc.)\n\nThe fraud department has a separate phone number: (833) 352-7759. Try calling that directly, as the regular DEO lines won't transfer you there. You'll still have trouble getting through, but it's better than the main line.\n\nAlso, your case may be waiting for specific verification - they don't always tell you what they're missing. Common holdups include needing a more detailed bank statement showing the funds were never received or additional identity verification.

Wow thank you for this insider info!! I'm gonna try calling that number tomorrow. Do you know if they're more likely to answer at specific times? Early morning?

Yes, definitely try right when they open at 7:30 AM. Mondays are usually the busiest, so mid-week is better. Also, I forgot to mention - if you've moved or changed phone numbers since you first filed for benefits, make sure that information is updated in your CONNECT profile. Many times, they try to call claimants back but have outdated contact information.

Update: I tried using Claimyr today as suggested and FINALLY got through to a DEO agent after months of trying! The agent was able to confirm they see the fraud report in their system but said it was still

That's great progress! Make sure to keep that confirmation number safe and reference it in all future communications. From what I've seen at work, once you have that escalation confirmation, you should hear something within 2-3 weeks. Keep following up weekly.

That's exactly how mine started moving forward too! The escalation is key. Make sure you also send an email follow-up referencing that confirmation number - having a paper trail is important if you end up needing to take this further.

i dont get why everyone is having so many problems... i just walked into my local career source office and they helped me with everything. maybe try that instead of calling?

CareerSource offices can help with regular claim issues but they DON'T handle fraud investigations!! They literally told me this when I went there last month for the exact same problem. They just gave me the same DEO fraud number that nobody answers. 🙄