A month with no payment after fraud flag on my ny unemployment account - anyone have timeline?

Sorry you're going through this. My account was flagged in August for "suspicious activity" and it took almost 6 weeks to get it cleared. Had to send in my ID, utility bills, and even a written statement. The most frustrating part was every time I called they gave me different info about what was happening. Hang in there!

After weeks of frustration trying to call ny unemployment and never getting through, I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual human at unemployment in about 45 minutes. Worth every penny since talking to an agent got my funds released within 2 days after being stuck for almost a month. They even have a youtube video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I went through this EXACT thing back in October. Account was flagged as fraudulent after someone tried to change my direct deposit info. Took about 3-4 weeks to get it all sorted. The key for me was finding ONE agent who actually knew what they were talking about and getting their employee ID number so I could reference them in future calls. Seems like half the agents have no clue whats going on tbh

This is becoming way too common on ny unemployment. The fraud department is so backlogged that even legitimate claims are getting caught in their system. I called every single day for two weeks straight until I got someone who could actually help. Ask specifically to talk to a supervisor or someone from the fraud department. The regular agents can't do anything to help with these flags.

Dealing with the EXACT same BS right now. Account flagged for 5 weeks, zero money, rent due next week, and everytime I call they tell me "it's being processed" with no timeline. This system is a complete joke. what's even more absurd is that they ADMITTED to me someone else tried to access my account but I'M the one being punished for it. make it make sense.

I know this might not be what you want to hear, but my case took 8 weeks to resolve. And I only got it fixed because I contacted my state assembly member's office. They have special liaisons who can cut through the bureaucracy. Email your state rep ASAP - they really can help speed things up.

My account was flagged for fraud twice in the last year. First time took 4 weeks to resolve, second time took almost 2 months. The system is completely overwhelmed and they basically treat everyone like a criminal until proven innocent. Meanwhile bills don't stop and landlords don't care about your unemployment problems 🙃

For everyone struggling with reaching ny unemployment by phone: 877-221-1634 is the fraud department direct line. They open at 8am and CALL EXACTLY AT 8:00:00 - not 8:01, not 8:05. If you miss that window you'll never get through. This is how I finally got my fraud flag cleared after 3 weeks of nothing.

Look, I'm not usually one to recommend this, but after being stuck in fraud review for 7 weeks, I literally emailed every single person I could find at NYSDOL including the Commissioner. Put "URGENT - Fraud Flag Preventing Benefits" in the subject line. Got a call back from someone in the commissioner's office THE NEXT DAY and my issue was fixed within 48 hours. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Here's what actually helps with these fraud flags based on my experience + what I've read from others on this forum: 1. Documentation is key. Send in multiple forms of ID through their secure upload system. 2. Don't just call once a day - call REPEATEDLY. The agents have different levels of authority/knowledge. 3. Try using claimyr.com to get through to an agent - it worked for me after weeks of trying to call myself. 4. Contact your state assembly member AND state senator. They can often expedite these cases. 5. Be extremely specific about your situation when you do reach someone. The more details you provide, the more likely they can direct you to the right department. 6. If possible, go to an in-person career center. Sometimes face-to-face interactions get better results. 7. Document EVERY interaction - get names, ID numbers, what was said. The system is broken, but you have to be persistent. Took me 5 weeks to get my fraud flag cleared, but I got full backpay.

u know what's INSANE? they flagged my account for fraud and then when I called to fix it they asked me security questions about addresses I lived at 15 YEARS AGO. Like how tf am I supposed to remember that?? And when I got one wrong they were like "sorry can't help you" and hung up. I had to call back 20 times to get someone reasonable.

I hate to say this but the fraud review process is completely arbitrary. Some people get cleared in 2 weeks, others wait 3 months. There's no rhyme or reason to it. My theory is that they're just understaffed and cases get resolved based on whoever happens to pick up your file. All you can do is keep calling and hope you get lucky with a competent agent who actually cares.

Pro tip: if you're in NYC, try going to one of the workforce1 centers in person. They have direct lines to DOL and can sometimes get your case escalated faster than you can by calling yourself. I went to the one in Brooklyn and had my fraud issue resolved within a week after trying unsuccessfully by phone for a month.

There's a special place in hell for whoever designed the ny unemployment system. Watching my savings drain away while waiting for them to verify I'm not committing fraud (which THEY should know since THEY have all my employment records) is just *chef's kiss* the perfect American experience.