Identity theft nightmare: Someone hacked my DEO account and changed all contact info before my claim week deadline

OMG this happened to my cousin back in January!!! It took her like 3 WEEKS to get her account fixed because the DEO is so slow with everything. She had to physically go to a CareerSource office with like 5 forms of ID to prove she was the real person. I think they had to reset her whole account. It was a total disaster.

They ended up reissuing the payments but it took forever. Make sure you file a police report ASAP! That's what helped her case move faster.

This is unfortunately becoming common with DEO accounts. Here's what you need to do immediately: 1. File a police report for identity theft 2. Contact the DEO fraud department at 1-800-342-9909 and keep a record of your call 3. Submit a fraud report through the CONNECT portal (if you can access it) 4. Visit your nearest CareerSource center in person with multiple forms of ID 5. Email DEO.Fraud@deo.myflorida.com with "URGENT: ACCOUNT COMPROMISE" in the subject As for your claim weeks deadline - document your attempts to contact them. Once your identity is verified, you can request backdating for the weeks you couldn't claim due to the hack.

I had something similar happen but with my PIN getting reset. The regular DEO number is impossible to get through to. I finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have a system that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me days of redialing. Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj For identity theft specifically, make sure to tell the agent you need a "fraud hold" placed on your account immediately so no more payments go out to the wrong account.

@casual_commenter Yes, it worked for me. Got through in about 2 hours instead of spending days redialing. The DEO rep told me they've been swamped with fraud cases lately.

THE DEO IS COMPLETELY USELESS!!! This exact thing happened to me in February and they had the nerve to tell me it was MY FAULT for not having a strong enough password! I lost almost $2,400 because payments went to some scammer's account and they still haven't reimbursed me! The entire Florida unemployment system is designed to FAIL PEOPLE when they need help the most!

I finally got someone on the phone after THREE WEEKS of calling every single day, multiple times a day. They put me through to a supervisor who was actually helpful, but the regular agents just read from scripts and don't do anything. Make sure you document EVERYTHING - dates, times, reference numbers for all communications.

when this happened to my roommate she went to her state representative's office and they helped her get it fixed way faster! something about legislative inquiries going to a different department at DEO. might be worth a try if the regular channels dont work

she called first and they emailed her a form to fill out that gave them permission to look into her case. took like 5 days after that to get fixed which is way better than the months some people wait

My account was hacked last year too! I feel your pain! So stressful!

Update for anyone following this thread: The DEO has recently implemented new security procedures for account recovery in identity theft cases. You now need to complete an Identity Verification Affidavit form (available on the DEO website under Fraud Resources) and have it notarized. For the fastest resolution, bring this notarized form along with your: - Government-issued photo ID - Social Security card - Birth certificate (if available) - Proof of address (utility bill dated within 60 days) Take all of these to your local CareerSource office. They can initiate an emergency account recovery that typically processes within 3-5 business days.

just wondering but did u use the same password for other stuff? my friend got hacked and they said it was cuz his password was in some data breach from another website

Good news - the DEO has a process for backdating your claim weeks in cases of verified fraud. Once your identity is confirmed and your account is secured, ask the agent to file a "Request for Backdating Due to Account Compromise." They should be able to let you claim any weeks you missed due to being locked out of your account. The key is having all your documentation ready when you go to CareerSource. Also, if you have screenshots showing any error messages you received when trying to log in, bring those as well - they serve as evidence of when the problem started.

Let us know how it goes!!

UPDATE: Finally got everything sorted! For anyone with the same problem in the future: 1. CareerSource visit with all my docs was the key - they have a direct line to DEO security team 2. Had to fill out 3 different forms and get one notarized ($10 at UPS Store) 3. They put a security hold on my account within 24 hours to stop payments 4. Took 9 days total to get full access back 5. They're reissuing the payment that went to the wrong account but said it might take up to 3 weeks Thank you everyone for your help! Special thanks to whoever suggested the Claimyr service - that's the only way I actually got through to a human being at DEO.